Whoopi Goldberg Dismisses Zachary Levi's Fear of Career Fallout Over Trump Support
On Tuesday’s episode of The View, co-host Whoopi Goldberg pushed back against concerns raised by actor Zachary Levi about the potential career risks of supporting former President Donald Trump in Hollywood.
Levi had suggested that such a stance could be "career suicide" in the entertainment industry, but Goldberg took a different view, calling these concerns "more BS," as Fox News reports.
Goldberg emphasized that Hollywood has always been a mix of political affiliations and dismissed the notion that the industry is exclusively liberal.
Levi's comments came after he moderated an event on Saturday alongside Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard, in which he expressed his support for Trump.
His concerns about the potential backlash from Hollywood’s predominantly liberal image sparked a larger conversation on The View about political pressures in the industry.
Hollywood's Political Landscape Isn't One-Sided, Says Goldberg
Goldberg, a longtime co-host of The View, offered her perspective on the political diversity of Hollywood, countering Levi's remarks. She explained that despite common perceptions, Hollywood has historically leaned to the right.
She noted that, similar to the rest of America, Hollywood is politically diverse. "From the beginning of Hollywood, it’s always been a very right-leaning town," she said. “But I know you don’t know much about the Hollywood history, so let me school you."
Goldberg further highlighted examples of successful actors who are open Republicans, such as Jon Voight, illustrating that political affiliation does not necessarily hinder one’s career in the industry. Goldberg dismissed Levi’s fears, saying, “Stop that, it’s more BS and it’s unnecessary."
Co-Hosts Address Celebrity Political Endorsements
The conversation broadened to discuss the pressures celebrities face when it comes to endorsing political candidates. Co-hosts Alyssa Farah Griffin and Sara Haines spoke about how celebrities often feel compelled to take public stances during election season. Griffin and Haines highlighted how these pressures can influence a celebrity’s career, especially when their political views are out of step with the perceived norm in Hollywood.
The discussion turned to recent instances where celebrities have endorsed political figures, whether or not they fully agreed with their platforms.
Engagement In Politics Is Key, Says Hostin
Co-host Sunny Hostin took the opportunity to stress the importance of civic engagement during election season. She underscored the significance of being an informed voter, particularly given the current political climate.
“I think that we are at an inflection point in our country,” Hostin said. “This election matters more than any election of my lifetime. We may not have elections after this election if the former president wins.”
Hostin’s comments reflected a broader sentiment among the co-hosts that political engagement, no matter the stance, is crucial. She emphasized that using one’s platform to endorse a candidate -- whether it’s a Democrat or a Republican -- is a responsibility for those in the public eye.
Pressure to Endorse Democratic Party Ticket
The co-hosts also discussed the pressure to endorse candidates, particularly on the Democratic Party side. Several high-profile guests on the show have previously been encouraged to publicly support Democratic Party candidates, specifically Vice President Kamala Harris.
Despite this pressure, the conversation during the episode was framed around the idea that political views should not define a celebrity's success or career trajectory. The co-hosts, including Goldberg, maintained that Hollywood has room for all political affiliations.
Conclusion: Goldberg Pushes Back on Industry Perceptions
Throughout the episode, Goldberg and her co-hosts addressed both Levi’s fears and the broader issue of political affiliations in Hollywood. Goldberg was adamant in her stance that the industry is not as politically one-sided as it may appear, insisting that actors from both sides of the political spectrum have maintained their careers. Meanwhile, the other hosts reflected on the undue pressure placed on celebrities to endorse specific candidates, especially in the lead-up to critical elections.
The discussion ended on a note of civic responsibility, with Hostin reminding viewers that no matter the political party, being an engaged and informed voter is paramount. The hosts of The View made it clear that while political endorsement can carry weight in Hollywood, it does not necessarily equate to career suicide, as Levi had feared.
In summary, Goldberg attempted to push back on the narrative that supporting a Republican candidate spells disaster in Hollywood, emphasizing that the town, like the nation, is politically diverse. Meanwhile, the co-hosts reflected on the importance of civic engagement as the 2024 election approaches.