“Divergent” actress Shailene Woodley has been arrested by authorities during a protest in North Dakota against a massive oil pipeline project that will cross four states.
As per BBC, Woodley was arrested at a construction site near the town of St. Anthony as she was broadcasting the peaceful protest via Facebook Live.
In the Facebook Live coverage, Shailene said that she had been walking quietly back to her vehicle when police grabbed her by her jacket and said that she wasn’t allowed to continue.
The clip shows Woodley asking the police and the authorities saying that they can’t talk in the area, but informs her that charges will be filed against her.
The “Snowden” star added that the police were carrying giant guns, batons, and zip ties. She also speaks to mainstream media that she hopes they witness as she was being handcuffed.
Some 26 other people were arrested on charges of criminal trespass and engaging in riot along with the 24-year-old actress.
As she was led away with her hands cuffed, Shailene said that she had been singled out from hundreds of protesters because of her celebrity status and because about 40,000 people were watching the protest through her Facebook Live.
The clip went viral on social media and has since been viewed more than 2.4 million times. The Dakota Access pipeline project has drawn huge controversy and protests since it was announced.
The pipeline will run 1,168 miles through North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Illinois.
BBC reports that Native Americans have halted its construction in North Dakota, saying it will desecrate sacred land and damage the environment.
Native Americans strongly believe that the construction of the pipeline would cause damage to historic sites.
However, the company behind the project, Energy Transport Partners, claims that the pipeline will boost the local economy and is safer than transporting oil by rail or by road.
Environmental activists argue that transporting up to 570,000 barrels of crude oil a day will endanger local waterways.
Woodley and the rest of protesters joined the North Dakota Standing Rock Sioux Tribe to protest against the $3.7 billion pipeline project.
Woodley’s mug shot became viral as well following the news of her arrest. No confirmation yet whether the 26 protesters who were arrested were already released by this time.
USA Today reports that “The Fault in our Stars” actress was released from Morton County jail the same day of her arrest.
Representatives of the actress said she paid a $500 fine and was ordered to appear in court on October 24.
Her rep adds that Shailene appreciates the outpouring of support she has received, but more importantly, she’s grateful that she was able to let many people see her battle with the construction of the controversial pipeline.
A day after her arrest, Shailene addressed the issue through social media. “The Spectacular Now” star shared a photo on Instagram continuing her fight over the North Dakota access pipeline.
The “White Bird in a Blizzard” actress has been leaning towards activism more than her fame in Hollywood ever since.
Shailene has long been a supporter of many causes. She has partnered with couple Ian Somerhalder and Nikki Reed for an organization that provides shelter for abandoned animals particularly dogs.
In an interview a few years back, she admits that she’s very picky about her roles and that she doesn’t just accept or audition for roles wherein it opposes what she stands for.
Describing her role that gained her fame, Trio Prior from “The Divergent” series, Shai says that she took on the role because the world needs heroines and people who are not afraid to stand for what they believe in.