Actor Billy Bob Thornton faced criticism while hosting ‘The View’ when co-host Alyssa Farrah Griffin reminded him of a past comment by George Clooney telling him to stay silent on political matters.
In a recent episode of the podcast “Howie Mandel’s Work,” the 70-year-old actor discussed his reluctance to use his fame for political advocacy. He echoed comedian Ricky Gervais’ well-known advice against political commentary during award shows, stating, “If you get a small award, quit.”
“I don’t really know much about politics,” Thornton admitted. “And honestly, I prefer not to impose my beliefs on others since I’m not an authority on the subject.”
While Whoopi Goldberg didn’t seem troubled by Thornton’s comments, Joy Behar dismissed them, exclaiming, “Imagine bragging about how ignorant you are.”
Sunny Hostin chimed in, emphasizing the importance of active participation in democracy during a time of crisis in the country.
“Having a platform means having a loud voice,” continued Hostin. “If you choose to be silent, that’s complicity. We need everyone on board to speak up.”
Griffin responded, mentioning her admiration for Thornton but pointed out a contradiction: “Many here criticized George Clooney for his op-ed about Biden.” She elaborated, explaining that it’s not about whether someone agrees with a celebrity’s stance; it’s about them using their voice for what they believe.
“He can voice his opinions, and I have the right to critique them; that’s freedom of speech,” Behar snapped back.
Griffin criticized what she termed “lazyism,” where celebrities make political comments without engaging in the political process. She expressed concern over the pressure on individuals to speak out.
Co-host Sarah Haines supported this sentiment, arguing that celebrity political statements often just resonate with those who already agree and can alienate dissenters.
