Hollywood legends Liam Neeson, Roger Moore and Vanessa Redgrave have withdrawn from Unicef work in protest at the charity’s decision to sack executive director Melanie Verwoerd.
Neeson has confirmed to the Irish Times that he pulled out of a trip to Mozambique this weekend after learning that Verwoerd, partner of the late broadcaster Gerry Ryan, has been dismissed.
Just last March Neeson became Unicef Ireland’s first goodwill ambassador.
He told the paper that the sacking represented a ‘profoundly damaging loss’ to the charity.
The actor also appealed to Unicef to find another role for Verwoerd within the organization.
The statement, signed by Neeson and Redgrave, mother of his late wife Natasha, urged Unicef to re-employ Verwoerd so that ‘she can continue her vocation and exceptional commitment to the children’.
Verwoerd has claimed she was sacked by email on July 15th because the board of Unicef felt publicity surrounding her relationship with the late Gerry Ryan was damaging the charity.
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Unicef finally responded to the claims on Wednesday when it said the decision to dismiss Verwoerd was down to a disagreement as to her future at the organization.
Neeson and Redgrave told the Irish Times that they were ‘profoundly disturbed’ by the decision.
They also believe Verwoerd has been “hounded” by the Irish press but her commitment to Unicef had been ‘unwavering’.
“The increase in donations to the charity last year was sure proof of her commitment,” said the statement.
“It also proves that whatever various personal opinions, Melanie Verwoerd and the Irish Unicef committee have worked well to achieve this.
“Her commitment had inspired us and so many others to dedicate ourselves to the unique cause and history of Unicef.
“So firm is our trust in Melanie Verwoerd as an exceptional Unicef advocate and leader that we are compelled to say that we view the dismissal of Melanie as a profoundly damaging loss to Unicef.”
Unicef Ireland said it respected Neeson’s decision.
5 Comments
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.GraceyGirl1 | Jul 30, 2011, 05:04 AM EDT
Melanie Verwoerd has actively cultivated the media since Gerry's death. She got a taste of celebrity in the year she spent on Gerry's arm and couldn't let go. The same media have 'hounded' his wife - yet she's managed to avoid speaking. Liam Neeson must be a real twit to be making those comments.
Portia777 | Jul 29, 2011, 12:38 PM EDT
unicef is a scam. No more money should be given to this org.
GeorgeDillon | Jul 28, 2011, 03:33 PM EDT
Looks like this woman was taking UNICEF in the wrong direction, divorcing it from ordinary people, in favor of cultivating "celebrities". And why is it that so many Irish "celebrities" are such cheapskates? (Think Bono) They wanted UNICEF to pay their trips to Africa, even though they're all millionaires. As to Verwoerd, I have never understood how she got that job. According to EU law, she could only get it if there were no suitable Irish or EU citizen available to do the job. Does anyone believe that in the whole of Ireland and the entire EU (400 million people) there was no one able to head Irish Unicef? And how about her goodbye check? More than $250K! Crazy. How many starving children would that feed? Why would any normal person give money to this outfit, to keep Verwoerd hobnobbing with her millionaire buddies?
cillowen | Jul 28, 2011, 10:00 AM EDT
who needs neeson and cover-upper crowd.
Towngate | Jul 28, 2011, 08:46 AM EDT
This does not seem very charitable of them. And Cathy, you seem to have left out the bit about her meetings with Unicef to discuss her 'future role' and their statement that 'No one person is bigger than the Organisation' ~ Each of the three 'Hollywood Legends' might be happier sticking to acting or serving some other Charity.You can't have the tail wagging the dog!