The choice by prominent newspapers not to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for president has stirred reactions from notable Hollywood figures.
The Los Angeles Times and the Washington Post refraining from endorsing Harris has led to public subscription cancellations and media criticisms from the entertainment industry, Breitbart reported.
On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Times made the decision not to support Kamala Harris in her presidential candidacy, a move followed by the Washington Post on Friday. These decisions came as a surprise, especially considering both news outlets have been long-time supporters of the Democratic Party. The absence of endorsement has raised eyebrows and reactions from well-known figures in the entertainment industry.
The decisions have led to a social media backlash and subscription cancellations by celebrities using Elon Musk's platform, X. Actor Jeffrey Wright announced the cancellation of his subscription to the Washington Post. "Washington Post. Hometown paper. Grew up with it. Bye, byatch," he stated, expressing his disappointment.
Similarly, Bradley Whitford, another prominent actor, took a jab at the Washington Post, referencing its tagline during his cancellation. The actions show a strong disapproval from the entertainment community towards the media outlets’ recent choices. Such reactions underscore growing dissatisfaction with perceived media silences or inaccuracies within political coverage.
Criticism also targeted influential figures behind these media outlets. Filmmaker Paul Feig directly critiqued Jeff Bezos, suggesting that he had a role in preventing an endorsement of Harris. The LA Times faced similar criticism when actor Mark Hamill canceled his subscription, citing the need for honest voices during critical times.
"I canceled our subscription to the LA Times because I want to make it clear that I am not okay with them being silent. In dangerous times, honest people need to stand up. This is the only way to show I'm standing up."
Alyssa Milano, an outspoken actress, condemned billionaires on her X platform posts, despite the fact that the platform's owner, Elon Musk, has been known to back Donald Trump. Her stance highlighted the complexities and paradoxes of celebrity political activism.
Mark Hamill's subscription cancellation and public statements, along with those from other celebrities, emphasize dissatisfaction with traditional media. The Los Angeles Times and Washington Post's decision against endorsing Harris is viewed as unexpected, given their past alignment with Democratic interests.
George Takei, known for his activism, suggested expanding the boycott to other organizations owned by Bezos, including Amazon. This highlights the larger feud between entertainment figures and billionaire-owned media companies, which some perceive as having too much sway in political narratives.
Amid all this, voices such as Josh Malina expressed regret over not having subscriptions to cancel, indicating a shared frustration with the media’s decision. Actor Rob Reiner also publically criticized the Washington Post’s editorial board, further showing entertainment industry discontent.
The critical response comes against the backdrop of recent poll declines for Kamala Harris, both in national and swing state readings. Additionally, reports of internal struggles and campaign turmoil further contribute to the context of the media's decision not to endorse her.
As these controversies unfold, observers increasingly question the role of media endorsements in political campaigns. Many view the decisions of both the Los Angeles Times and the Washington Post as significant, especially given their influence and historical support for Democrats.
While we have yet to see the broader implications of these decisions, they highlight ongoing tensions between influential media entities, political dynamics, and celebrity activism. Furthermore, the entertainment industry’s response underscores its dissatisfaction with the status quo and pushes for more transparency and accountability in media practices.
