‘Moana’ Star Dwayne Johnson Faces Criticism Over Political Silence

Dwayne Johnson is under fire online after revealing his intention to refrain from discussing politics publicly. In a recent interview with Esquire, the actor and producer shared that he aims to concentrate on his work and keep his political views private, a decision that has sparked reactions from various Hollywood figures.

Among those responding to Johnson’s remarks was ‘Star Trek’ actor George Takei. On Threads, Takei criticized Johnson’s choice to remain silent on political matters, stating, “Silence is complicity.”

Wil Wheaton, known for his role in ‘Stand By Me’, also expressed disappointment in Johnson’s decision, commenting, “So disappointing to find out he is such a coward.”

During his interview with Esquire, Johnson explained that he no longer wishes for politics to be a part of his public persona. He emphasized that his primary focus is on creating films and telling stories rather than engaging in political debates.

“What I have learned through experience is that I need to keep — need, not want — the main thing. And the main thing for me, the thing that in the morning I swing my legs out of bed and I run towards, is creating. It’s art. It’s storytelling,” Johnson told Esquire.

He further elaborated that he has opted to keep his political opinions private due to the ongoing conflict surrounding political discussions.

“I’ve learned I’m going to keep my politics to myself,” Johnson stated. “Politics is omnipresent and it’s forever. I don’t like it. I hate it at times. I hate the slinging. I hate all the bullshit that comes with it.”

Previously, Johnson attracted attention for his political comments when he publicly backed Joe Biden during the 2020 presidential election. In 2024, he mentioned to Fox News that he regretted that endorsement, feeling it caused division among his fans.

At that time, Johnson expressed his desire to unite people and confirmed that he would refrain from endorsing any candidate in future elections.

“My goal is to bring this country together. I believe in that. There will be no endorsement. At this level of influence, I will keep my politics to myself. It is between me and the ballot box,” Johnson said.

The discussion surrounding celebrities and their political involvement has become a frequent topic in Hollywood. Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence faced similar scrutiny when she talked about her choice to step back from political conversations in an interview with The New York Times.

Lawrence had previously been vocal against Donald Trump during his first presidential campaign and administration. However, she later expressed uncertainty about whether celebrity statements genuinely influenced public opinion.

“Celebrities do not make a difference whatsoever on who people vote for. So then what am I doing? I’m just sharing my opinion on something that’s going to add fuel to a fire that’s ripping the country apart,” Lawrence remarked.

She added that she aims to safeguard her work and prevent political disagreements from hindering audience connections with her films. “I want to protect my craft so that you can still get lost in what I’m doing,” Lawrence explained.

Instead of making direct political statements, Lawrence prefers to convey her views through her projects. She highlighted films from her production company, including ‘Bread and Roses’ and the abortion rights documentary ‘Zurawski v Texas’, as examples of using storytelling to address significant issues.

While Johnson’s decision to avoid political discussions has drawn criticism from some in the industry, he remains committed to prioritizing entertainment, filmmaking, and connecting with audiences through his work.

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