Celebrity Perils of Being ‘Open’ to Kennedy’s Run for President

By Adina Flores, The Kennedy Beacon

In the new McCarthyism for public figures, being ‘open’ to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a sin punishable by a thousand cuts, courtesy of a scandal-hungry press and public.

Take the case of Oscar-winner Gwyneth Paltrow. In a recent interview with The New York Times, the former golden girl of Hollywood admitted that she found Kennedy’s campaign “very interesting” and that she is “open-minded about everybody.” When asked about Kennedy’s views on controversial issues, Paltrow back-paddled, saying, “It was very interesting to hear his point of view. Since then he’s said some things that I think are tricky, let’s put it that way.” 

Shortly after the interview with Paltrow was published, she experienced a flurry of attacks on social media; some people labeled her ‘ignorant’ and ‘out-of-touch.’ 

The ostracism and cyberbullying of Paltrow epitomizes ‘cancel culture’—a culture in which politically correct corporate and partisan-driven critical examination of an individual is intended to shut down free expression that does not conform to mainstream narratives, promoted by both the Republican or Democratic party. 

It’s hard not to empathize with Paltrow, although, as reported by The Kennedy Beacon, other celebrities have endorsed, or all but endorsed, Kennedy’s presidential run, regardless of the personal perils of doing so.

Rogan, Brosnan, Schneider & Clapton Cast their Support for Kennedy

Among the latest actors to discuss Kennedy, without fear, is bodybuilding legend and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. He and Kennedy have been well acquainted since the 1980s, not only through their passion for health and fitness, but the two men share familial ties. Kennedy’s first cousin, Maria Shriver, was married to Schwarzenegger for 35 years before their divorce was finalized in 2021.

In fact, Kennedy played a pivotal role in helping Schwarzenegger, a Republican, become California Governor in a primarily democratic state, through a special recall election to replace Gray Davis in 2003. When Kennedy caught wind of the campaign for his cousin’s husband, he wanted to help contribute to the effort. Despite opposing political views, Kennedy encouraged Schwarzenegger to consider the environment as one of his driving concerns. At that time, the environment was not on Schwarzenegger’s radar. 

Photo by Gage Skidmore via Creative Commons

In a recent interview with The New York Times, Schwarzenegger touted his admiration for Kennedy, saying, “I see Bobby in Gold’s Gym. I like him, and I love that he’s out there running,” referring to Kennedy's 2024 presidential campaign. “I will always say great things about Bobby,” he continued, “because during my entire existence with the Kennedys he always treated me with respect. I will always do this the same way back: absolute respect.”

While the Times reporter tried to bait Schwarzenegger with negative remarks about Kennedy being a “conspiracy theorist,” the former governor did not take the bait.  “I don’t live with this kind of suspicion, because nothing ever happened to me that makes me feel like that,” he said. “But a lot of things happened to him, so this is where he is coming from. I’m not saying rightfully or wrongfully. I’m just saying I can see why someone like him is the way he is.”