Hollywood star George Clooney is rejecting accusations that his political actions contributed to Vice President Kamala Harris’ loss in the 2024 presidential election. Clooney says he’s being unfairly blamed for advocating for change within the Democratic Party ahead of the election.
The criticism centers around an op-ed Clooney wrote in The New York Times, urging Democrats to consider alternatives to President Joe Biden. Although Clooney didn’t explicitly endorse Kamala Harris, the party removed Biden from the ticket, nominating Harris instead. Harris ultimately lost to President Donald Trump.
Clooney, through sources cited by the Daily Mail, says he feels disheartened by the backlash. “He thinks it is completely unfair to try and make him a scapegoat for her loss,” one source said. The actor has been a longtime supporter of the Democratic Party, raising significant funds and advocating for progressive causes.
Reports suggest that Clooney consulted with former President Barack Obama before publishing his op-ed. While Obama didn’t direct Clooney’s actions, insiders say he didn’t object either. Both Clooney and Obama attended a Hollywood fundraiser earlier this year that brought in millions for Biden’s re-election campaign.
Critics argue that Clooney’s op-ed undermined party unity at a critical moment, while others blame the party’s decision to replace Biden with Harris. Clooney himself believes Democrats failed to fully evaluate their options before making the switch.
Amid the controversy, Clooney plans to step back from politics. His defenders argue that his efforts were aimed at strengthening the Democratic Party, not weakening it. The debate over his role reflects broader tensions within the party as it grapples with its loss in 2024.
