Dwayne Johnson faces criticism for keeping ‘silence’ over politics

Dwayne Johnson is facing heavy criticism on social media for his decision to keep a total silence over politics moving forward. 

The blockbuster actor is catching serious flak online after revealing to Esquire magazine earlier this month that he will no longer speak publicly about his political beliefs. 

The stance has ruffled feathers within Hollywood, with Star Trek icon George Takei taking to Threads to criticize Johnson’s new outlook by writing that silence is complicity. 

Stand By Me actor Wil Wheaton also chimed in on the backlash, replying that it was so disappointing to find out he is such a coward.

The wrestling-legend-turned-actor, who is currently embarking on a global press tour for Disney’s live-action Moana film, previously signaled his retreat from political commentary during an interview with Fox News in 2024. 

At the time, Johnson admitted he deeply regretted endorsing Joe Biden for president in 2020 because the move had caused widespread division amongst his fanbase. 

He explained that his goal is to bring the country together, adding that there will be no further endorsements and that at his level of influence, he intends to keep his politics to himself and between him and the ballot box.

Expanding on his newfound aversion to political talk in his recent Esquire interview, Johnson stressed that his experience has taught him that he needs, not wants, to keep his focus entirely on his creative output. 

He explained that the thing he runs towards when he swings his legs out of bed in the morning is creating art and storytelling. 

While noting there are moments where nothing is off-limits and he is happy to admit when he is wrong, Johnson expressed a deep distaste for the current political environment.