These stars used to have a good reputation among people until their political views come into the picture and cause major backlash.
- Nov 11, 2018
AceShowbiz - Be it common people or celebrities, everyone must have their own political views. While many usually don't really bother when their political stance differs from others', it is not the case with famous stars as their views in politics can very well influence other people's. Thus, when they finally open up about the issue, it's not uncommon that it would make headlines.
A recent example of that is Taylor Swift. Keeping her political stance a secret for years, she broke the internet when the former-country-singer-turned-pop superstar praised two Democratic candidates in her home state of Tennessee. The effect of her surprise endorsement, which was made via an Instagram post, was felt right away as thousands of people between the ages of 18 and 29 registered to vote.
In addition to that, a large number of people heaped praises for the star for finally speaking out about her political views. Many have started dubbing her "taylegend" and "tayliberal," and there are even a number of people who said she should have run for the office after that. "REPLACE ALL CONFEDERATE STATUES WITH STATUES OF TAYLOR SWIFT!!!!" one user excitedly exclaimed.
But unlike Taylor who received praises over her political views, a number of celebrities had to deal with massive backlash over the matter, even though they used to have a rather good reputation. In the wake of midterm elections, let's take a look at these stars who caused outrage with their political stance.
1. Tom Brady
Having a good looking face and nice football skills, who will not love Tom Brady? But all those favorable opinions surrounding him apparently started to crumble when Donald Trump came into the picture. He caused a quite bit of stir after appearing to show support for the then-businessman back when he was still a president candidate.
Brady himself never clearly stated that he was endorsing Trump, but his statement made it look like he indeed vote for him. When asked about whether Trump could win the presidency, he replied, "I hope so. It would be great. There would be a putting green on the White House lawn, I'm sure of that." So what did happen after he said that? He was booed at the Super Bowl 50 back in 2016.
2. Stacey Dash
Stacey Dash might be one of the most hated women today, but she actually had quiet good reputation before. The former "Clueless" star, who voted for Barack Obama when he first ran for presidency in 2008, had to deal with major backlash when she showed her support for Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney. Many couldn't believe that she would vote for him considering he was known for his hate on people of color and women, while some dubbed her "crazy."
Talking about the backlash in an interview with Piers Morgan, she admitted that she didn't understand why people were angry about it. "I really don't understand the fury," she said. "I don't understand it. I don't get it... I was shocked, saddened. Not angry. Saddened and really shocked. But you know what, you can't expect everyone to agree with you."
3. Clint Eastwood
Clint Eastwood's speech at the 2012 Republican National Convention earned the veteran actor some of the most bemused responses in his illustrious career. During the event, he infamously called out Barack Obama with the help of an empty chair. He pointed to it and said, "So I've got Mr. Obama sitting here. I was just going to ask him a couple questions. I remember three-and-a-half years ago, Mr. Obama won the election. Though I wasn't a big supporter I was watching that night."
Recalling that he was crying when watching the then-president speech about "Hope and Change," he said, "I haven't cried that hard since I found out that there are 23 million unemployed people in this country. Now that is something to cry for because that is a national disgrace and we haven't done enough." His speech drew mixed responses from public, with many slamming the actor including Kal Penn.
4. Dixie Chicks
Country group Dixie Chicks used to have a quite number of supporting fans until lead singer Natalie Maines took a jab at George W. Bush back in 2003. While performing in London, ten days before U.S. and allied forces invade Iraq, the lead singer said to the crowd, "Just so you know, we're on good side y'all. We do not want this war, this violence, and we're ashamed that the president of the United States is from Texas."
Once news of her comment reached U.S. citizen, country radio stations promptly stopped playing their music. Fans were also unhappy with the remark, leading to a nationwide boycott of the Dixie Chicks with fans destroying their memorabilia and country radio stations blacklisting them. Several country music artists such as Toby Keith also blasted them over the comment.
5. Sean Penn
Sean Penn garnered critical attention and even won Academy Awards for his exquisite acting, but once he got involved in politics, not many people liked him that much anymore. He caused several controversies and landed himself in hot water due to his antics. Among them were interviewing drug lord El Chapo, defending Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez and criticizing George W. Bush.
In an open letter published in The Washington Post to the then-president, he included some personal insults like, "You lead, it seems, through a blood-lined sense of entitlement." In addition to that, he infamously traveled to Baghdad, Iran and met with one of Sadam Hussein's top aides.
6. Kanye West
Considering all the controversies that Kanye West has been causing recently, it's only right to put him in the list. The outspoken rapper received major backlash after showing his love for Donald Trump, even though he supported and came to Hillary Clinton's campaign when she was up against the then-businessman back in 2016.
Despite the criticism that he received, it didn't stop him from backing POTUS. During his infamous meeting with Trump in the White House earlier this year, the rapper said that the president made him feel like "a superman" while wearing a Make America Great Again hat.
