Staying out of politics used to be good business in Hollywood. Now it can get you canceled. It was a stunning headline: “Director Ignites Backlash with Non-Political Post” How could a non-political post be a source of controversy? Damien Leone, director of the slasher-film Terrifier franchise, found out earlier this month when he responded to some of his cast’s politically-charged X posts. After explaining that he was “all for freedom of speech and expression,” Leone asserted that “Terrifier is NOT in any way shape or form a political franchise. I did not get into filmmaking to become a politician or promote any political agendas or ideologies, especially through a killer clown movie. “If this doesn’t sit well with any fans or cast/crew members that is your right and I respect it,” he concluded. And yet fans retaliated, with some on X saying they “do not feel comfortable supporting the series anymore” and that making a neutral statement was in “bad form.” One elaborated that it was “insanely disappointing to see a certain horror director dismiss the impact of the political climate on horror and act like horror and politics aren’t related at all. That is an extremely shallow view on the genre.” For years, the Left has been quick to condemn celebrities, athletes, and public figures who express conservative viewpoints. Now, it seems even staying out of it won’t keep you safe anymore. Chris Pratt, too, received backlash from his op-ed in the Sunday Paper titled “Win or Lose, My Hope Is We Show Up for Each Other.” Written in the stretch just before the 2024 election, Pratt reminded readers that “we are fellow countrymen,” and that “starts with remembering no matter who wins or loses, there are still going to be people who need help in this country.” Who could be opposed to that? Unfortunately, a lot of people. A wave of social media hate ensued. One commenter berated: “Coward…if you’re gonna tell us to take a stand on our own political beliefs but you don’t do the same but want us to take your ‘stupid political advice’ — shut up and sit down.” Other celebrities who have chosen to remain neutral have received similar criticism — even those with a history of supporting left-wing causes. Chappell Roan, a self-described member of the LGBT community and an open supporter of the Hamas regime in Gaza, received intense backlash when she stated in an interview: “I have so many issues with our government in every way…There are so many things that I would want to change. So I don’t feel pressured to endorse someone. There’s problems on both sides.” Negative reaction was swift, with one fan commenting, “How are you queer, an ardent defender of the drag community and somehow a ‘both sides are bad’ person,” while another snapped, “White girl unaffected syndrome at play…she’s just not been paying attention.” Today, it seems only full-fledged, vocal support of the Left is safe from censure. Taylor Swift, for instance, announced in September 2024 that she was voting for Kamala Harris “because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them” and received vast praise from the Left for toeing the line. Megan Thee Stallion, too, was applauded for her performance at a Kamala Harris rally, where she encouraged America to elect its “first black female president” while twerking for a braying crowd. The Left’s message is clear: choose a side — or we’ll choose one for you. The question is: will Americans push back, or will they allow this cultural policing to continue unchecked? Because in today’s climate, even saying nothing might just get you canceled.
