Actress Jessica Alba Faces Backlash After Endorsing Kamala Harris
Jessica Alba recently ignited a flurry of criticism after sharing a video that endorses Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.
The online backlash came quickly, with many of Alba's fans denouncing the video as awkward and announcing their intention to withdraw their support from the entrepreneur and her company, as the Daily Mail reports.
The video, which features Harris speaking on the growth of Latina small businesses, sees Alba agreeing with her by snapping her fingers in the background.
Harris highlights the rapid expansion of Latina-owned businesses in the country while noting that not everyone has the necessary capital to grow their ventures.
With over 20.6 million followers on Instagram, Alba's video quickly received an array of negative comments.
Many followers expressed their dismay, labeling the interaction as disingenuous and "cringe-worthy." One follower even likened the video to an "SNL skit." Others expressed embarrassment on Alba's behalf for posting the video.
Fallout Includes Threats to Boycott Alba's Business
Some of Alba's followers have gone beyond criticism, pledging to boycott her company, The Honest Co., in response to her political stance. One follower directly stated they would "never buy Honest products again" due to Alba's support for Harris, attributing perceived harm to the country caused by Harris to their decision.
Among the critics, a follower questioned Alba's choice to speak with a "millionaire actress" instead of a Latina business owner who started with limited resources, emphasizing a perceived disconnect with the average small business owner.
However, this is not the first time Alba has shown her support for Harris. During a campaign event in Arizona, Alba joined celebrities Kerry Washington, Glenn Close, and Michael Ealy to encourage voting, expressing thanks to volunteers and voters alike.
Alba's Previous Endorsements and High-Profile Event
Back in July, Alba publicly endorsed Harris on Instagram following President Joe Biden's exit from the race, expressing excitement over the potential for Harris to make history. This latest video aligns with her continued support for Harris leading up to the election.
The discussion in the video focused on the potential benefits of strengthening Latina small businesses. Harris emphasized ambition and aspirations within these communities, while Alba, affirming Harris's statements, expressed a shared perspective regarding the importance of such economic contributions.
Other celebrities have also shown their support for Harris, with notable names like Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen, and Jennifer Lawrence lending their endorsements.
Swift used her Instagram platform to announce her intention to vote for Harris and Tim Walz, even playfully referencing Trump in her sign-off as a "Childless Cat Lady."
Celebrity Endorsements and Political Engagement
Alba's engagement at the Harris campaign event served as an additional reminder of her active involvement in political discourse and advocacy.
Her captions in the Instagram posts reflected her dedication to motivating people to participate in the electoral process and register to vote.
Despite the criticism, Alba has not publicly rescinded her support for Harris, nor has she addressed the backlash directly in her posts. Her focus appears to remain on fostering participation in the democratic process, showcasing her commitment to the causes she supports.
The video and its aftermath highlight the increasingly political landscape for celebrities who choose to publicly endorse candidates. Alba's experience underscores the potential backlash public figures can face when stepping into the political arena.
While Alba's endorsement has certainly sparked controversy, it also brings attention to the growing political engagement among celebrities. As the election draws nearer, the voices of public figures like Alba continue to shape discourse and influence public opinion.