South Wales has a million more reasons to be thankful for Michael Sheen’s willingness to put his money where his heart and his politics are. Because the superstar actor and proud son of Port Talbot is not just taking on payday lenders, loan sharks and the entire rigged banking industry in a new documentary that continues his campaigning work on the high cost of credit. He’s also using his own money to cancel people’s debts in his local community.
Michael Sheen’s Secret One Million Pound Giveaway begins with the actor entering a Post Office. “I’d like to make a withdrawal please. One hundred thousand pounds. And a book of stamps.” It’s an audacious and expensive stunt to draw attention to rampant inequalities in the consumer debt market; Sheen used that £100,000 of his own money to buy £1m of debt owed by people in South Wales. And then simply wrote the debts off overnight. A life-changing gesture of solidarity that helped 900 residents.
“It was a big hit, when it came to it,” says Sheen, when he calls Big Issue. “And 900 people having some debts written off is a big deal for them – and certainly was a big deal for me. But it is a drop in the ocean. We want to put the focus on change that could help millions. I was working towards positive change for as many as possible.”
This week, he spoke to Big Issue about his great debt battle. More in this week’s magazine.
What else is in this week’s Big Issue?
Gaza and the donkey lifeline
Much of Gaza was (and remains) impassable by vehicle; in the first year of conflict, bombardment destroyed or damaged 70% of its road network. Better able to navigate the rubble, donkeys are a lifeline. We spoke to the vet who is keeping them alive.
B-Corp month: doing business better
B stands for Benefit for all. The B Corp movement is changing our economic system to positively impact all people and the planet. During B Corp Month (March). It’s a moment where Generation B comes together to celebrate everything it means to be a B Corp, and it’s one that you can be a part of – one purchase, job application, and conversation at a time.
