Hollywood Republicans Feel Under Siege in ‘Toxic’ Anti-Trump Industry
“There are many people who are voting for Donald Trump but are too afraid to admit it,” publicist Roger Neal tells TheWrap
Itay Hod | September 29, 2016 @ 9:18 AM
Last Updated: September 30, 2016 @ 11:22 AM
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Being a Republican in Hollywood has always been somewhat taboo. But many conservatives report the stakes are even higher for them this year since GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump is an even more polarizing figure than past conservative candidates.
That has led some to remain silent about their support of the real estate mogul in order to avoid damaging consequences to their careers in an industry built on personal relationships.
“There are many people who are voting for Donald Trump but are too afraid to admit it,” Roger Neal, a Trump supporter and founder of the Hollywood PR and management firm NPR, told TheWrap. “Things have gotten really nasty in Hollywood lately.”
Neal was surprised to see many of his left-leaning colleagues, including some who owe him their start in the industry, post a recent GQ article titled, “If You Vote for Trump, Screw You” on their social media feeds.
“Some stars have gone to the far left this election and are really getting hostile,” he said. “You don’t see that from the other side.”
“There’s an unhealthy tension here right now,” Neal added.
Oscar-nominated writer Lionel Chetwynd, another prominent Hollywood conservative, described the political atmosphere within the industry this fall as “toxic.”
And actor Antonio Sabato Jr. has claimed he has been bullied online and blacklisted by directors since speaking at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland in July.
“When you’re in my business, you can’t talk about [conservative] politics,” Sabato Jr. told Variety. “You’re attacked viciously in a way that I’ve never been attacked before.”
Even Hollywood Democrats acknowledge that this year has heightened the tension toward right-leaning colleagues — because Trump has emerged as a more divisive figure than past Republican presidential candidates.
“There was not the same animus toward Romney or McCain here,” L.A.-based Democratic strategist Donna Bojarsky told TheWrap.
“This happens to be Los Angeles, a very liberal and Democratic city. Republicans are already a bit behind on the eight ball,” she said.
The ostracizing of vocal Trump supporters can happen in person or even online.
“I’ve seen people posting on social media: ‘If you’re voting for Trump unfriend me or I’ll unfriend you,'” Howard Bragman, founder of Fifteen Minutes Public Relations, told TheWrap.
For years, Hollywood conservatives were forced to keep their politics under the radar for fear of losing jobs in an industry that’s often based on relationships as much as talent.
In recent years, many have found fellowship in right-leaning groups like Friends of Abe, which closed its offices earlier this year but continues to meet informally.
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.