"Batman" Star Christian Bale Forcibly Stopped from Meeting Chinese Activist

CNN reports that actor Christan Bale, who's famous for his role as the caped crusader in The Dark Knight, was punched and pushed by Chinese guards, stopping him from visiting blind Chinese forced abortion activist Chen Guangcheng. (Watch the CNN video.)

During an attempt to meet the activist, Bale was yelled at and chased off the property where 40-year-old Guangcheng is under strict house arrest, according to CNN. The guards even continued their chase for some 40 minutes.

Guangcheng is closely watched by guards after being charged for "damaging property and organizing a mob to disturb traffic" and serving a four year sentence in prison for that charge.

Bale, who was in China for a film project, felt compelled to meet a man he esteems. His taped attempt and altercation with the Chinese guards brings international attention to the treatment of Guangcheng and his fight to call attention to the forced abortions and sterilizations in China. (For more on Guangcheng's treatment, read this CBN News report.)

Both, actor and activist, shine a light on a dark part of China's modern history. Hat's off to Christian Bale who brought Guangcheng's situation to the attention of the world. Like so many, Bale could have simply gotten on a plane and left China in his dust. It's a ignoring action many of us do when we know of a situation, yet do nothing.

Bale and Guangcheng's actions remind us to speak up for those who are fighting for civil and religious rights and to even be the ones who boldly stand for these causes.