Dwayne Johnson has drawn sharp criticism from some Hollywood figures after reaffirming his decision to keep his political opinions private and refrain from public endorsements. The backlash follows comments Johnson made in a recent interview with Esquire, where he reflected on his past political involvement and explained his current approach.
Johnson Explains His Stance in Esquire Interview
In the interview, Johnson stated, "What I have learned through experience is that I need to keep—need, not want—the main thing. And the main thing for me, the thing that in the morning I swing my legs out of bed and I run towards, is creating. It's art. It's storytelling. I've learned I'm going to keep my politics to myself." This declaration prompted immediate reactions from fellow actors.
Wil Wheaton shared his disappointment on Threads, writing, "So disappointing to find out he is such a coward." George Takei also commented, posting, "Silence is complicity." These remarks highlight a divide in Hollywood over the responsibility of public figures to speak out on political issues.
Johnson's Nuanced Position on Political Expression
Johnson clarified that while he generally avoids public political discourse, he remains open to speaking out when he deems it appropriate. "There are moments when anyone can talk about anything," he said, adding that if he believes something is wrong, he will acknowledge it, and if he feels he has a better understanding of an issue, he will share his perspective. He expressed frustration with the political landscape, stating, "Politics is omnipresent and it's forever. I don't like it. I hate it at times. I hate the slinging. I hate all the bullshit that comes with it."
Previous Endorsement and Regret
Johnson's latest comments follow his 2024 remarks regarding his earlier endorsement of Joe Biden. At that time, he said he regretted making the endorsement and chose not to publicly support a candidate during the 2024 election. "The endorsement that I made years ago with Biden was one I thought was the best decision for me at that time… Am I going to do it again this year? That answer's no," Johnson said. This reversal has fueled further debate about the role of celebrities in politics.
