LOS ANGELES – While stars like Olivia Wilde and Jennifer Lawrence have decried presidential candidate Donald Trump’s views, the former reality star has won over some other celebrities. Stars like Mike Tyson, Hulk Hogan, and Charlie Sheen have praised Trump. However, is it a dicey move for celebrities to endorse a fellow celebrity in a notoriously liberal Hollywood crowd?
Amanda Gutterman, editorial director at Slant News, discourages celebrities from making public political endorsements.
“… I'd caution celebrities to think hard about whom they choose to endorse, knowing that their views, once public, will have an out-sized impact,” she said. “In an ideal world, celebrities would only endorse after careful study of the candidate and what his or her policies would actually mean for America.”
Lawrence expressed her discontent with the idea of Trump being president, telling Entertainment Tonight, “If Donald Trump becomes president that will be the end of the world.” Wilde also publicly denounced Trump, stating his views are “really sickening.”
Pop culture expert Cate Meighan believes many celebrities still view Trump first and foremost as a fellow star.
“While he has thrown his hat into the ring and is aiming for the republican nomination, I still think that most in Hollywood see Trump as their peer rather than as a politician,” she said. “Trump is the guy who for years dealt with numerous celebs on ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ and in that role he always was a step above them and seemed slightly more powerful.”
Charlie Sheen took to Twitter to support Trump and announce he would gladly take the position of vice president. Hulk Hogan echoed he wanted to become Trump’s running mate.
“Duck Dynasty” star Willie Robertson explained that he liked Trump’s authenticity on “Fox and Friends.”
“… That’s what I love about Trump. Like him or hate him, he’s authentic.”
And funny woman Fran Drescher told FOX411 recently she applauds Trump for saying the things other people don’t have the guts to say. Meanwhile, former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson announced he wants to see Trump in the White House, confidently telling Huffpost Live, “He should be president of the United States.”
And even former “Celebrity Apprentice” star Gary Busey announced he believes Trump would be capable of “changing the country after the last eight years.”
But as these celebrities endorse Trump, Gutterman warns that they may alienate some fans.
“It's possible that some voters might skip seeing a movie featuring an actor who endorsed Donald Trump if they believe that actor is acting in a way they don't feel is right. People have the right to make choices as they see fit with their money,” she said. “By endorsing Trump -- or any candidate for that matter-- celebrities risk alienating fans who don't agree with them.”
Meighan admitted Hollywood has always had an opinion on Trump and she said endorsing a candidate can be a slippery slope.
“Hollywood has always been divided when it comes to having an opinion on Trump and that continues to be the case with his presidential bid,” she said. “I think if an A-lister throws support behind a very controversial, vocal candidate that is only known for their political endeavors, then it can maybe get a little dicey.”
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