In a surprising turn of events, Hollywood's entertainment industry faces a growing debate about political expression among its ranks.
According to Fox News, "Shazam" actor Zachary Levi has called upon fellow conservative performers in Hollywood to publicly express their political views, particularly following his recent endorsement of former President Donald Trump.
During an Instagram Live session on Sunday, the 44-year-old actor challenged statements made by Whoopi Goldberg on "The View" regarding Hollywood's political landscape.
Goldberg had claimed that the entertainment industry was predominantly "right-leaning," citing actors Jon Voight and Dennis Quaid as examples of Republican performers.
Levi disputed Goldberg's assessment, emphasizing that she could only name two conservative actors out of thousands working in the industry.
He revealed that numerous industry professionals had privately contacted him, expressing their fear of potential career consequences for openly supporting Trump or conservative values.
The actor suggested that only established performers at certain career levels could safely disclose their conservative leanings without facing significant professional repercussions. He pointed to a culture of silence among right-leaning entertainment figures.
Levi shared his perspective on the messages he received, describing a climate of apprehension among industry professionals. According to Levi:
And what that means is there's plenty — and by the way, they have sent me lots of messages — plenty of people in my industry in Hollywood that are terrified to publicly say that they would vote for Donald Trump or be conservative in any way. That's why you don't see them. That's why they're not very prevalent or prominent because they know that there's ramifications for this kind of s---.
The actor's political journey included an initial endorsement of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. before shifting support to Trump after Kennedy suspended his campaign. This transition occurred during a September event featuring both Kennedy and Tulsi Gabbard.
Levi argued that recent industry challenges, including pandemic lockdowns and labor strikes, have weakened traditional power structures. He predicted significant changes in the entertainment industry's near future.
Speaking about the industry's future, Levi encouraged fellow conservatives to consider speaking out:
So anyway, my cry to all of you out there, you closeted conservatives, closeted Trump voters, y'all, it's now or never, you know what I mean? Do whatever you feel like you need to do. If you need to come out publicly and say it, if you feel like you still can't, then don't.
The "Shazam" star's outspoken stance represents a significant moment in Hollywood's ongoing political discourse. His public endorsement of Trump came after supporting Kennedy's campaign, reflecting the complex political dynamics within the entertainment industry.
Levi's message emphasized the importance of authentic political expression while acknowledging the professional risks involved. He argued that industry changes might create new opportunities for conservative voices to emerge.
