Brad Pitt, Bono, and other celebrities appear in AIDS PSA

Brad Pitt is among the A-list celebrities featured in new public service announcements for a campaign led by U2 singer Bono to fight poverty and AIDS. The campaign does not immediately ask for donations but simply raises awareness and recruits new advocates, Bono said Wednesday at an event announcing the public service announcements. "We're not just asking for people to put cash in the pot here," Bono said. "Americans are generous--we know they'll do that. We're not actually asking for their money; we're asking for their voice." Pitt, who visited Africa after being inspired by Bono's advocacy, said he was struck by how extreme poverty on the continent has made it difficult for the sick to gain access to drugs to minimize the effects of AIDS. "I've seen it, I've been there, and to walk away from it and turn my back makes me culpable," Pitt said. "And I can't do that." Bono and Pitt were joined at the press conference by Jack Valenti, the former top lobbyist for the film industry, and actor Djimon Hounsou, a native of Benin. A 60-second ad to air Sunday night on various networks and cable channels features actors, musicians, and religious leaders. Among them are Jewel, Penelope Cruz, Tom Hanks, and Mos Def. Also featured are Al Pacino, Jamie Foxx, and Hounsou as well as evangelist Pat Robertson and the Reverend Frank Griswold, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church in the United States. (AP)