John Cusack Voices Support for Student Protests in India

Hollywood actor John Cusack has publicly supported the ongoing student protests in India, which erupted after the NEET-UG 2026 examination leak. Known for his activism, Cusack shared updates on social media, calling the protests 'beautiful news.' The demonstrations, initiated by Ladakhi activist Sonam Wangchuk, have seen students rallying across major cities, demanding accountability. While Cusack remains somewhat reclusive in the film industry, he recently made a rare appearance at the Oscars to honor the late filmmaker Rob Reiner. This article explores Cusack's involvement and the broader implications of the protests.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 23, 2026, 16:52 IST

John Cusack Stands with Indian Students

Renowned Hollywood actor John Cusack has become the first international figure to express solidarity with the ongoing student protests in India. The younger sibling of Toy Story 5 voice actress Joan Cusack, he reacted to the demonstrations that erupted following the leak of the NEET-UG 2026 examination, which started in Delhi's Jantar Mantar and quickly spread nationwide. Known for his outspoken views on various global and political matters, Cusack has been particularly vocal on social media platforms. He is also a supporter of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who is the son of acclaimed Indian filmmaker Mira Nair.

Support for Student Protests in India

On X (formerly Twitter), Cusack shared updates about the protests, describing them as 'beautiful news.' He had previously commented on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests in 2019 and 2020. The current protests began earlier this month when the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and Ladakhi activist Sonam Wangchuk initiated a hunger strike demanding accountability following the NEET-UG examination leak in May 2026.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has since launched an inquiry, resulting in several arrests. A re-test was conducted on June 21, 2026. Despite discussions between protestors and central government representatives on the same day as the exam, protests have persisted across the nation, with students gathering in cities such as Mumbai and Bengaluru, and even marching in the distant state of Manipur.

John Cusack's Recent Projects

While Cusack remains active on social media, he has taken a step back from the film and television scene. His most recent appearances include roles in the Hollywood films Fog of War and Detective Chinatown 1900 in 2025. In March 2026, he made a rare public appearance at the Oscars, where he joined fellow stars like Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Annette Bening, and Daphne Zuniga to honor the late filmmaker Rob Reiner. Tragically, Reiner and his wife, Michelle Singer Reiner, were murdered in their Los Angeles home by their son Nick Reiner in December 2025. The 60-year-old actor frequently participates in live Q&A sessions during special screenings of his classic films like Say Anything and Grosse Pointe Blank, which were released in the 1980s and 1990s. His sisters, Joan and Ann, are also actors who maintain a low profile in the industry.