Dwayne Johnson on Pro-Trump Under Armour CEO: ‘His Words Were Divisive’
The Rock makes it clear: Kevin Plank’s praise for the president represents “neither my words, nor my beliefs”
Beatrice Verhoeven | February 10, 2017 @ 10:37 AM
Last Updated: February 11, 2017 @ 1:38 PM
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Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has taken to social media to address Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank’s recent praise for Donald Trump, stating that the executive’s words were “neither my words, nor my beliefs” and that Plank’s “words were divisive and lacking in perspective.”
“I appreciate and welcome the feedback from people who disagree (and agree) with Kevin Plank’s words on CNBC, but these are neither my words, nor my beliefs,” he wrote on Instagram on Thursday. “His words were divisive and lacking in perspective, inadvertently creating a situation where the personal political opinions of Under Armour’s partners and its employees were overshadowed by the comments of its CEO.”
Johnson added, “We don’t partner with a brand casually. I partner with brands I trust and with people who share my same values. A commitment to diversity, inclusion, community, open-mindedness and some serious hard work. But it doesn’t mean that I or my team will always agree with the opinion of everyone who works there, including its executives. Great leaders inspire and galvanize the masses during turbulent times, they don’t cause people to divide and disband.”
Johnson and Under Armour formed a partnership in 2015 to “create products that inspire men, women and kids to stay hungry, humble and always be the hardest workers in the room,” the wrestler-turned-actor wrote on Instagram. The following year, they teamed to launch “Project Rock,” a “motivational lifestyle brand” for athletes that kicked off with a water and abrasion resistant gym bag and later introduced a line of footwear.
On Tuesday, Plank appeared on CNBC’s “Fast Money Halftime Report,” and said of President Trump, “I think he’s highly passionate. To have such a pro-business president is something that is a real asset for the country. People can really grab that opportunity.”
He added, “He wants to build things, he wants to make bold decisions and be really decisive. I’m a big fan of people that operate in the world of publish and iterate versus think, think, think, think, think. So there’s a lot that I respect there.”
The comments sparked the Twitter hashtag #BoycottUnderArmour, and prompted Under Armour to release an official statement emphasizing their commitment to diversity and respect for “different religions, races, nationalities, genders and sexual orientations.”
Johnson will not part ways with the clothing company.
“I feel an obligation to stand with this diverse team, the american and global workers, who are the beating heart and soul of Under Armour and the reason I chose to partner with them,” he wrote.
37 Hollywood Stars for Donald Trump in 2020 (Photos)
With time running out for the President to gain Joe Biden in the polls, here are 34 of Trump's celebrity fans rooting for the President to win a second term.
"I think Trump, no matter what anybody thinks of him, is doing a good job at trying to get these states — and all of the American people — what they need," Dennis Quaid told the Daily Beast in April 2020.
Comedian Roseanne Barr tweeted a picture of herself wearing a "Trump 2020" baseball cap with the caption, "2020 vision."
Former "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" Kristy Swanson in March tweeted, "An honor to meet you Mr. President."
Former NFL great Hershel Walker spoke at the RNC in August and tweeted, "TRUMP PENCE 2020"
"Thank you for being the best President ever," tweeted Diamond and Silk.
Mariano Rivera, the Former Yankee pitcher who was awarded the Medal of Freedom from the President in 2019 said, "He's doing the best for the United States."
"Phenomenal President. Quite possibly the USA," tweeted UFC fighter Conor McGregor back in January. "Most certainly one of them anyway, as he sits atop the shoulders of many amazing giants that came before him."
"We're on the very front end of this right now, and I feel comfortable and confident that because of strong leadership," said Elisabeth Hasselbeck on "The View" in March supporting the President's coronavirus response.
Former "Entertainment Tonight" anchor Mary Hart hosted the President's controversial July 4th celebration at Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota back in July.
"He is literally going to go down in history as one of our greatest Presidents," said "Pawn Stars" Rick Harrison at the Conservative Political Action Conference in February.
NASCAR driver Corey LaJoie sported a "Trump 2020" on his car at NASCAR’s Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, back in July.
UFC fighter Colby Covington recently supported the President on his Instagram saying, "Had a tremendous time yesterday with @erictrump & @carlos_e_gavidia at the MAGA Boat Parade in Miami!"
“All I gotta say is Trump 2020, bitch. Fuck I look like paying an extra 33 in taxes for Biden," rapper Lil Pump said on his Instagram story in October 2020.
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Golf legend Jack Nicklaus in a statement on his Twitter "strongly recommend(s) you consider Donald J. Trump for another four years. I certainly have and have already cast my vote for him!"
Lil Wayne shocked fans on Oct. 29 when he tweeted a photo of himself with President Trump. He captioned the pic by saying that "besides what he’s done so far with criminal reform, the platinum plan is going to give the community real ownership."
NFL Legend Brett Favre tweeted, "In this election, we have freedom of choice, which all should respect. For me & these principles, my Vote is for @RealDonaldTrump."
With the election underway, here are the stars who will be voting for President Donald Trump’s second term in 2020
With time running out for the President to gain Joe Biden in the polls, here are 34 of Trump's celebrity fans rooting for the President to win a second term.