Angelina Jolie attacks Donald Trump's stance on religious freedom

The actress and humanitarian was delivering the keynote speech at the BBC's 'World on the Move'

Angelina Jolie-Pitt serves as Special Envoy for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees WPA/Getty

(2013 Getty Images)

Angelina Jolie-Pitt spoke out against the incendiary rhetoric of presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump about Muslims and refugees.

When asked about the New York real estate tycoon - who has called for the ban of migration of Muslim immigrants into the US - Jolie, 40, expressed her disapproval for the candidate.

“To me, America is built on people from around the world coming together for freedoms, especially freedom of religion,” she said, speaking as part of BBC’s World on the Move.

“So it's hard to hear this is coming from someone who is pressing to be an American president.”

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees special envoy delivered the keynote address Monday, and said she was “disheartened” by the overall US response to the global migration problem, and warned against a culture of fear.

“Fear of uncontrolled migration has eroded public confidence and the ability of governments and international institutions to control the situation,” the actress and humanitarian said. “It has given space to a false air of legitimacy to those who promote politics of fear and separation.”

Jolie is the latest high profile figure to speak out against Mr Trump, whose proposal to ban Muslims from entering the country has sparked global outrage.

London’s first Muslim mayor, Sadiq Khan, lambasted Mr Trump for suggesting he would be exempt from the ban.

“This isn’t just about me - it’s about my friends, my family and everyone who comes from a background similar to mine, anywhere in the world,” Mr Khan said.

“Donald Trump’s ignorant view of Islam could make both our countries less safe - it risks alienating mainstream Muslims around the world and plays into the hands of the extremists.

“Donald Trump and those around him think that western liberal values are incompatible with mainstream Islam - London has proved him wrong.”

Prime Minister David Cameron echoed criticisms.

“The Prime Minister has made his views on Donald Trump's comments very clear. He disagrees with them, and I haven't got anything further to add,” a Downing Street spokesperson said.

“He continues to believe that preventing Muslims from entering the US is divisive, stupid and wrong.”

Mr Trump responded on ITV, saying that it “looks like we’re not going to have a very good relationship”.

He added that he would “remember” remarks made by Mr Kahn.