In her first ever US television interview, the 37-year-old opens up about her newfound celebrity and what it means for her work.
NBC News’ Cynthia McFadden asked the British-Lebanese lawyer how she feels about Hollywood stars such as Angelina Jolie using their fame to promote good causes.
“I think it’s wonderful that celebrities would choose to spend their time or energy or, you know, the spotlight that they have to raise awareness about these causes,” Amal said.
But the wife of George Clooney maintains she doesn’t see herself as a celebrity, even though she’s often accompanying her husband to glitzy red carpet events like the Oscars or the Golden Globes.
“I don’t really see myself in the same way because I’m still doing the same job that I used to do before,” she explained.
She does, however, acknowledge the extra advantage being in the spotlight has given her humanitarian work. “If there’s more attention paid – for whatever reason – to that, then I think that’s good,” said the Oxford university alum.
“I think there is a certain responsibility that comes with that. And you know, I think I’m exercising it in an appropriate manner by continuing to do this kind of work.”
Amal sits down for her first US television interview.
Amal is currently working with several members of US congress to free former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed, who was kicked out of office and jailed.
Even though the lawyer she’d been working on the case with was stabbed in the head just days before she was due to visit Mohamed in prison, Amal says she was “determined” to go through with her plan.
Asked if she fears for her safety in these scenarios, Amal responded, “I mean, it wasn’t the most comfortable position to be in. But I was determined to go. It meant a lot to me to meet Nasheed.”
Amal has worked as a human rights lawyer for 15 years and shares her passion with husband George. The couple married in Venice in a luxury wedding in September 2014.
Watch her interview in the player above!
