As the 2024 election results confirmed Donald Trump's return to the White House, emotionally charged reactions erupted across social media among Hollywood's elite. With Vice President Kamala Harris's unexpected defeat, many prominent celebrities took to various platforms to express their despair, outrage, and fears concerning the political landscape ahead. Emotional messages surfaced, with some individuals even contemplating a retreat from the United States or social media altogether.
Actress Christina Applegate shared a heartfelt response via platform X, reflecting on the implications of Trump’s victory for reproductive rights. Her poignant remarks echoed a sentiment of fear and concern: "My child is sobbing because her rights as a woman may be taken away. Why?" Applegate's urgent call for reflection to her followers, specifically those who supported anti-women's rights stances, painted a vivid picture of her emotional turmoil as well as that of many in Hollywood.
Similarly, soap opera star Nancy Lee Grahn voiced her frustrations, suggesting she felt helpless in the face of political change. “I have done all I can do,” she posted, announcing her decision to delete her social media accounts to protect her daughter from the harsh realities of a shifting political climate. Her words resonated deeply, showcasing the collective anxiety many entertainers experience as the political winds change.
Veteran actress Bette Midler appeared to honor her pre-election vow of disappearing from social media if Trump were to win, as her account vanished from X shortly after the results were confirmed. Her absence is indicative of the distress many felt following the election, as both her followers and the entertainment community faced a noticeable vacuum of her vocal critiques and insights.
Author Stephen King weighed in with a powerful metaphor on the precarious nature of democracy, drawing parallels to fragile objects in a shop: "Once you break it, then it’s sold." His concerns underline the broader sentiment that the outcome of the election may usher in a period of authoritarianism, a view shared by many public figures throughout the artistic sphere.
Sharon Stone remarked that the political climate had prompted her to consider purchasing property abroad, suggesting a move toward Italy might be prudent. With her observation of an election platform based on “hate and oppression,” Stone reflects a growing sense of urgency among celebrities regarding the broader implications of Trump’s presidency.
This collective response from Hollywood highlights a stark ideological divide between mainstream political sentiments and the perspectives of many within the entertainment industry. Trump's policies challenge the core values championed by numerous celebrities, including women's rights and social justice initiatives. As Hollywood grapples with the consequences of this election, the ongoing discourse around activism and its influence on public opinion will remain a critical topic in the U.S. political and social landscape.
