AceShowbiz - George Clooney has faced considerable criticism following his call for President Joe Biden to step aside in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential election. Clooney stirred the pot by publishing an op-ed in The New York Times, mentioning Biden's poor performance in a debate against Donald Trump as a primary reason for his stance.

In a recent interview with CNN's Jake Tapper, Clooney addressed the ongoing backlash. "I don't know if it was brave. It was a civic duty," he defended his controversial move.

"Because I found that people on my side of the street - you know, I'm a Democrat in Kentucky so I get it - when I saw people on my side of the street not telling the truth I thought that was time to... some people [are mad], sure. That's OK, you know, listen the idea of freedom of speech is you can't demand freedom of speech and then say, 'But don't say bad things about me,' "Clooney remarked.

Despite endorsing Biden passionately in the past, even hosting a Hollywood fundraiser that amassed $28 million, Clooney felt compelled to publicly express his concerns over Biden's capability to win.

"It's devastating to say it, but the Joe Biden I was with three weeks ago at the fundraiser was not the Joe 'big F***ing deal' Biden of 2010. He wasn't even the Joe Biden of 2020. He was the same man we all witnessed at the debate," Clooney wrote in his op-ed.

Ultimately, Biden did step down, endorsing Kamala Harris, a move Clooney lauded. "What should be remembered is the selfless act of someone who, it's very hard to let go of power - we know that, we've seen it all over the world - and for someone to say I think there's a better path forward, all the credit goes to him," the actor said.

Looking back, Clooney is no stranger to criticism for his political stances. Reflecting on his anti-war stance 20 years ago, he commented, "So when people criticize me - they criticized me for my stance against the war 20 years ago, people picketed my movies and they put me on a deck of cards - I have to take that, that's fair. I'm OK with that, I'm OK with criticism for where I stand. I defend their right to criticize me as much as I defend my right to criticize them."

As Clooney continues his illustrious career, currently starring on Broadway in "Good Night and Good Luck," he remains a figure of both admiration and controversy, particularly for young people who look up to him for his outspokenness and dedication to civic duties.