Jane Fonda breaks the internet: Fire Drill Friday's first virtual protest crashes after thousands join online

The actress and longtime activist appears to rally supporters but technical glitches get in the way

Jane Fonda‘s first virtual climate protest crashed after thousands of fellow activists attempted to join online.

The actress and longtime activist appeared shortly after 2pm (EST) on Friday to rally supporters in the figh​t against climate change with her Fire Drill Fridays movement.

After glitches with the sound, the video cut off and organisers posted an apology on Twitter.

“Earlier during the launch of our first virtual Fire Drill Friday we experience some technical difficulties. We are very sorry and are grateful to the thousands of people who joined us. We will be posting the full rally later day,” they wrote.

Fonda, 82, has been protesting since last year and has been arrested five times in the process.

She moved the rally online following the outbreak of the coronavirus and supporters were invited to join on Zoom and a Facebook livestream.

Earlier in the day on TikTok, she resurrected her iconic 80s exercise videos to promote the rally. ​

Following a short clip doing leg raises, she posted a follow-up clip wearing the red coat that she previously has been arrested in.

She said: “You know what, there are too many workouts happening right now on television and on computers. What I really would like you to do is to work out with me for the planet.

Jane Fonda speaks to supporters at first virtual rally for Friday Drill Fridays (Facebook/Fire Drill Fridays ) (Facebook/Fire Drill Fridays)

“There’s a climate crisis that’s a real emergency, and so whether you’re on your couch or your yoga mat, will you join me for the virtual Fire Drill Fridays? The future needs you. I need you."

Since last year, Fire Drill Fridays have been holding protests on the steps of the US Capitol building every Friday morning, inspired by teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg’s Fridays For Future school strikes. ​

In February, Fonda moved her protest to Los Angeles before the in-person gatherings were suspended in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

The protests have drawn hundreds of fellow activists and has led to the arrest of Fonda, and fellow celebrities. In January, actors Joaquin Phoenix and Martin Sheen were arrested in DC.

Others who have been led away in handcuffs from the protests include Diane Lane, Sally Field, Ted Danson and Lily Tomlin.

Sam Waterston, Kyra Sedgwick, Catherine Keener and Rosanna Arquette among other stars have also turned out in support.​