23 July,2026 02:18 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
John Cusack. Pic via Instagram
Hollywood actor John Cusack has come out in support of students protesting the NEET paper leak in India. Days after clashes erupted between protesters and the police during the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) Chalo Sansad march, several celebrities have spoken up about the issue. Cusack also took to social media to extend his support and solidarity with the movement.
On Thursday, the High Fidelity actor shared an article by author-activist Arundhati Roy titled Cockroach Democracy: Unarmed and Dangerous on X. The article slammed the use of force against students during the march towards Parliament on Monday, July 20. Sharing the article, Cusack wrote, "Beautiful news from my favourite fellow cockroach (sic)."
Notably, this is not the first time the actor and producer has publicly supported student movements in India. Back in 2019, John had backed protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), criticising the police action against students at Jamia Millia Islamia University.
The students led by CJP have been protesting against the NEET paper leak in May this year, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over irregularities in the country's examination system.
Earlier this month, social activist Sonam Wangchuk also joined the agitation and started a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, supporting the students. The protests heightened on Monday after thousands of students marched towards the Parliament House in Delhi in response to the CJP's 'Chalo Sansad' call.
Delhi Police claimed that the protesters displayed "unruly, aggressive, and violent behaviour", while protesters accused the police of using excessive force. Videos of police using lathi charge and tear gas on demonstrators also emerged. The police also reportedly detained several protesters from the site.
Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi was also seen joining the protests earlier this week, outside the Prime Minister's residence with Congress leaders. However, he was reportedly detained briefly by police.
Meanwhile, similar protests were witnessed across the country in cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Nagpur, and more. As the protests escalate throughout the country, several celebrities have extended their solidarity with students on social media. Several celebrities also stepped forward and joined the protests personally with the students.
