Venezuela's 20-year downfall featured a weird bromance between Hugo Chávez and Sean Penn, ex-husband of Madonna and 'One Battle After Another' actor.

The article discusses the implications of U.S. foreign policy in Venezuela, particularly in light of President Nicolás Maduro's recent capture, which echoes the historical seizure of Manuel Noriega in Panama. It highlights the role of Hollywood actor Sean Penn, who has been a vocal supporter of former Venezuelan leader Hugo Chávez, portraying him as a champion of the poor despite the country's economic decline under his and Maduro's leadership. The piece examines how Penn's celebrity status was used by the Chávez administration to gain legitimacy, while also addressing the broader consequences of U.S. sanctions and the humanitarian crisis that has emerged in Venezuela. The article connects these themes to Penn's recent film, "One Battle After Another," which critiques revolutionary politics amidst ongoing challenges in Venezuela. [Extracted from the article]