Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson recently spoke about his frustrations with the political climate in Hollywood, expressing a desire to distance himself from the prevalent political activism. In an interview for Esquire’s summer issue, the 54-year-old actor reflected on why he chooses to keep his political opinions private.
“What I’ve realized is that focusing on your needs is crucial, rather than your wants,” Johnson mentioned. “For me, the key aspect is getting out of bed each morning to create—it’s art, storytelling. So, I’ve decided to keep my political views to myself.”
He went on to say, “Sometimes, I feel like there’s nothing that’s off-limits; if I’m wrong, I’ll admit it. If I feel I’m on the right track, I’ll share that.” Johnson further expressed a strong aversion to the negative aspects of politics, stating, “It’s everywhere and can be overwhelming. I genuinely hate the conflict and negativity it brings.”
His remarks were prompted by recent comments from Bruce Springsteen regarding President Trump during his concert tour. Johnson felt that rather than criticizing each other, perhaps they should have a conversation to understand each other’s perspectives.
Johnson, who has identified as an independent, supported Joe Biden in the 2020 election but has decided not to endorse any candidates for the 2024 election. Reflecting on his past decision, he stated, “I thought backing Mr. Biden was right at the time, but I’ve come to realize that it only added to the divisiveness in the country.”
As he considers the future, he aims to unite rather than divide. “I’m not scared; it’s just that I recognize the influence I have. So, I’ll keep my politics personal. That’s between me and the ballot box,” he emphasized.
Johnson also remarked on the assassination attempt against Trump, stating that regardless of political affiliations, such violence is unacceptable. He reminisced about Trump’s attendance at his wrestling matches, recalling their first meeting with a humorous anecdote about eyebrows.
In terms of cancel culture, Johnson noted the importance of being genuine and open. He believes that staying true to oneself and expressing honest opinions—despite potential backlash—is essential. “It took me some time to understand the value of authenticity,” he concluded.
