On the afternoon of May 29, 2025, a Los Angeles city bus became the unexpected stage for a powerful moment of compassion that has since captured the attention of millions. An elderly bus driver, 67-year-old Robert “Bob” Thompson, was cruelly mocked by a group of passengers for his age and slower pace—until Hollywood icon Jodie Foster, who was among the riders, took a seat up front and intervened, silencing the crowd with her commanding presence and heartfelt words. The incident, captured on video by a passenger and shared widely online, has sparked admiration for Foster and renewed conversations about ageism, respect, and the impact of standing up for those unfairly treated.
Jodie Foster, now 62, has long been a revered figure in Hollywood, with a career that spans over five decades. Known for her roles in classics like The Silence of the Lambs and Taxi Driver, as well as her recent work in True Detective: Night Country, Foster has earned two Academy Awards and a reputation for both talent and integrity. In May 2025, she was in the spotlight at the Cannes Film Festival, promoting her new French-language film A Private Life (Vie Privée), a mystery comedy directed by Rebecca Zlotowski, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. In an interview with Reuters at Cannes, Foster expressed her preference for working outside the U.S., citing better conditions in Europe’s film industry and her newfound freedom now that her children, Charles and Kit, are grown. On this particular day in Los Angeles, Foster was back in the city for a brief visit, opting for a low-key bus ride to meet a friend in Santa Monica after wrapping up a family errand.
Bob Thompson, a 67-year-old bus driver for the Los Angeles Metro, has been a fixture on his route for over 30 years. A grandfather of three, Bob took pride in his job, often chatting with regular passengers and ensuring everyone felt safe on board. But as he aged, he noticed a shift in how some passengers treated him. Ageism in the workplace, particularly for older workers in physically demanding roles like bus driving, is a well-documented issue. According to a 2024 report by the AARP, 61% of workers over 50 report experiencing or witnessing age discrimination, often in the form of derogatory comments or assumptions about their competence. Bob had faced such comments before—passengers muttering about his slower reaction times or questioning why he hadn’t retired—but he brushed them off, determined to keep working until he could afford to retire comfortably.
That afternoon, Bob was driving the No. 4 bus along Santa Monica Boulevard when a group of young passengers, in their early 20s, boarded at a busy stop near UCLA. The group, consisting of four college students, immediately began making snide remarks as Bob fumbled with the ticket scanner, which had jammed. “Hurry up, Grandpa, we’ve got places to be,” one of them said loudly, prompting laughter from the others. Another added, “Shouldn’t you be in a nursing home by now?” as Bob, visibly flustered, apologized for the delay and worked to fix the scanner. The comments grew harsher, with one student mimicking Bob’s slower movements in an exaggerated manner, saying, “Maybe they should get a robot driver—this guy’s too old to keep up.” Several passengers looked uncomfortable but remained silent, while others glanced away, unwilling to intervene.
Foster, who had boarded the bus a few stops earlier, was seated near the back, wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses to maintain a low profile. She had been in Los Angeles for a family visit after Cannes, as her recent comments about enjoying life outside the U.S. suggested a preference for quieter moments, per Reuters. But as the mocking grew louder, Foster removed her sunglasses, her expression hardening. She has a history of advocating for those who are marginalized, evident in her work on True Detective: Night Country, where she championed Indigenous representation, as noted in a 2024 Indiewire interview. Foster also shared in a 2023 The Guardian profile her own struggles with shyness as a child actor, giving her a deep empathy for those who feel unfairly judged.
Without hesitation, Foster stood up and walked to the front of the bus, taking a seat directly behind Bob. Her movement caught the attention of the passengers, and the mocking group fell silent as they recognized her. “Excuse me,” Foster said, her voice steady and authoritative, “but I think you all need to stop.” The students froze, their smirks fading as Foster continued, “This man is doing his job, and he’s been doing it for longer than you’ve been alive. He deserves respect, not ridicule. Age doesn’t make someone less capable—it makes them experienced. You should be thanking him for getting you where you need to go, not tearing him down.”
The bus, now quiet except for the hum of the engine, felt the weight of her words. Foster turned to Bob, who had paused at a stoplight, and added softly, “You’re doing a great job. Don’t let them get to you.” Bob, his eyes misty with gratitude, managed a small smile and said, “Thank you, ma’am. That means a lot.” Foster then looked back at the students, her gaze unwavering. “I hope you think twice before you treat someone like this again,” she said. “We’re all on this bus together—let’s make it a better ride for everyone.”
The confrontation was captured on video by a passenger named Sarah Nguyen, who posted it on TikTok with the caption, “Jodie Foster just stood up for a bus driver being mocked—this is why she’s a legend.” The video quickly went viral, amassing over 8 million views within 24 hours and spreading to platforms like X and Instagram. Fans praised Foster’s compassion and courage, with one user writing, “Jodie Foster didn’t have to do this, but she did—and it’s a masterclass in humanity.” Another commented, “This is what real stardom looks like—using your voice to protect someone who can’t fight back.”
The incident also resonated with advocates for older workers, who face increasing ageism in a society that often prioritizes youth. The AARP shared the video on their website, noting, “Bob Thompson’s experience is all too common, but Jodie Foster’s intervention highlights the importance of allyship. Older workers deserve respect, not ridicule.” Bob later spoke to a local news outlet, saying, “I’ve had tough days, but Ms. Foster made me feel like I mattered. I’ll never forget that.” He also revealed that the support from the viral video gave him the confidence to speak with his supervisor about the incident, leading to a renewed focus on passenger conduct training at Metro.
For Foster, the moment was a natural extension of her values. While she has not publicly commented on the incident, those close to her say it aligns with her lifelong commitment to fairness. In a 2024 Vanity Fair interview, she spoke about her desire to give back, saying, “I’ve been given so much in my life—I feel a responsibility to do the same for others.” Her actions on the bus reflect that ethos, showing that even in a public setting, she remains a fierce advocate for justice. Her recent comments at Cannes about preferring life outside the U.S. also suggest a desire for authenticity, which shone through in her decision to take a public bus and engage directly with the situation.
The viral moment has sparked broader conversations about ageism and respect in public spaces. Articles on platforms like HuffPost and The Independent have highlighted the challenges faced by older workers, noting that public figures like Foster can help shift societal attitudes. For Bob, the incident has been transformative—passengers on his route have since left him notes of appreciation, and a small crowdfunding campaign started by Sarah Nguyen raised funds to help him take a well-deserved vacation with his grandchildren. Metro also issued a statement commending Bob’s dedication and condemning the passengers’ behavior, promising to address such incidents more proactively.
In a world often marked by indifference, Jodie Foster’s intervention on that Los Angeles bus on May 29, 2025, was a beacon of hope. By taking a seat up front and speaking out, she not only silenced the mockery but also amplified a message of dignity and respect that resonates far beyond the confines of the No. 4 bus. For Bob Thompson, and for the millions who have watched the video, Foster’s actions are a reminder of the power of compassion—and the difference one voice can make in the face of injustice.
