Silence from Hollywood Stars Amid Swalwell Allegations
Several prominent celebrities who’ve been advocates for the MeToo and Time’s Up movements have noticeably held back their voices following allegations against Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) accusing him of unwanted sexual advances and even rape.
Key figures from the MeToo movement, like Alyssa Milano, Gwyneth Paltrow, America Ferrera, Neve Campbell, and Lady Gaga, have yet to make any public statements regarding the accusations against Swalwell, among others.
On the other hand, women involved in the “Time’s Up” campaign such as Shonda Rhimes, Reese Witherspoon, Eva Longoria, Natalie Portman, Amber Tamblyn, and Emma Watson have similarly kept quiet.
It’s also worth noting that numerous entertainers, usually vocal on social media about breaking news, are choosing to ignore the mounting Swalwell situation. This controversy could potentially influence the gubernatorial race in California, where many of these celebrities reside. Kathy Griffin, Paul F. Tompkins, Mara Wilson, Diedrich Bader, Duncan Jones, Michael Ian Black, George Takei, Mark Ruffalo, Daryl Hannah, John Cryer, Mia Farrow, Morgan Fairchild, Scott Derrickson, Ben Stiller, Tom Morello, John Leguizamo, Conan O’Brien, Carrie Coon, Henry Winkler, and Lizzo—all known for their outspoken nature—have refrained from mentioning either Swalwell or the women leveling accusations against him since local media reports and a piece on CNN emerged.
The only person breaking this unusual silence is actor Ethan Embry, who recently appeared in Scream 7. In a post, Embry lamented that Swalwell’s alleged misconduct had been an open secret in Washington, D.C., for quite some time.
He pointed out, “So, since you’re one of the 430 or so most powerful people in this country, being a drunkard who plays with girls… there are rumors of more serious charges. Is that really the norm for the establishment? Will they support you unless you aim for a high-ranking position?”
Embry further noted that the accusations, along with the sentiment that “so many people knew about this,” are profoundly troubling. He expressed concerns that the implied cover-up by the Democratic Party suggests a lack of division between the major political parties, alluding to a “one-party rule” system in America.
According to the New York Post, several A-list celebrities, including Robert De Niro, Sean Penn, Jon Hamm, Jon Cryer, Kathy Griffin, Jane Fonda, and the late Rob Reiner, supported Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign earlier in the election cycle.
