NEW YORK — George Clooney is teaming up with MTV for a telethon to benefit victims of Tuesday’s devastating earthquake in Haiti.
The telethon, to be hosted by Clooney, will air Jan. 22 on all MTV Networks channels, the network said Thursday.
The 48-year-old star first disclosed the plan to Roger Friedman of The Hollywood Reporter. He said the program will be produced by Joel Gallen, who masterminded the telethon that aired after 9-11.
Clooney started reaching out to his celebrity pals on Wednesday night at an Up in the Air party held at New York City’s Monkey Bar. The first to sign on board was Sting, who responded with “Where do I go?” after being asked to participate.
A roster of musicians, actors and actresses that will also take part in the benefit will be announced in the coming days, MTV said.
An estimated 3 million people may be in need of help after the 7.0 earthquake, in which thousands were likely killed across the impoverished capital. On Wednesday, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt donated $1 million to Doctors Without Borders for the organization’s emergency medical operations in Haiti.
Other stars who have stepped forward include Haiti-born recording artist Wyclef Jean, who is urging fans to donate to his Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund (www.yele.org).
