As the 2024 election approaches, Hollywood’s most influential Democratic donors are expressing their discontent with President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign. Following a recent debate performance that was widely criticized, several high-profile donors have publicly withdrawn their support, urging Biden to step aside. Meanwhile, a few notable figures have remained conspicuously silent. Let’s delve into the drama unfolding in Hollywood’s political landscape.
Hollywood Donors Withdrawing Support
Reed Hastings
Reed Hastings, co-founder of Netflix, recently told The New York Times that Biden should step aside for a more vigorous Democratic leader. Hastings and his wife, Patty Quillin, have contributed over $20 million to the Democratic Party in recent years. Hastings believes a fresh candidate is essential to defeating Trump and ensuring continued prosperity and safety for the country.
Barry Diller
Media mogul Barry Diller has also retracted his support for Biden. When asked if he still backed Biden, Diller responded with a simple “no.” Diller, who donated $100,000 to Biden and the Democratic Party’s super PAC in 2023, is now advocating for new leadership within the Democratic ranks.
Abigail Disney
Disney heiress Abigail Disney has taken a strong stance against Biden’s re-election bid. She informed CNBC that she is halting all donations to the Democratic Party until Biden is replaced. Disney praised Biden’s service but emphasized that the stakes are too high for him to continue as the candidate, asserting that his presence on the ticket guarantees a Democratic loss.
Damon Lindelof
Damon Lindelof, known for his work on “Lost” and “The Leftovers,” penned a compelling essay for Deadline, urging Democrats to cease financial support until Biden steps down. Lindelof, a long-time Biden supporter, emphasized the need for a change at the top of the ticket to avoid a significant defeat in the upcoming election.
Ari Emanuel
Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel vocally criticized Biden at the Aspen Ideas Festival. Emanuel highlighted Biden’s promise to serve only one term and his subsequent decision to run again, accusing him of misleading his supporters. Emanuel reported that many major donors are redirecting their contributions to Congressional and Senate races, believing that the only way to address the issue is for Biden’s campaign funding to dwindle.
Silent Celebrity Supporters
While some donors have openly renounced their support, others have remained silent, choosing not to publicly address the debate or their continued backing of Biden.
Jeffrey Katzenberg
Jeffrey Katzenberg, a prominent Biden fundraiser, has not publicly commented on the recent debate. Katzenberg has been a vocal supporter, raising substantial funds for Biden and consistently defending the president’s capabilities and energy levels.
Steven Spielberg
Steven Spielberg has been an active participant in Biden’s re-election campaign, assisting with speeches and collaborating with the Democratic National Committee. Despite the debate fallout, Spielberg has maintained his support, focusing on upcoming campaign events.
Jimmy Kimmel
Jimmy Kimmel, host of ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” has been a vocal critic of Trump and a supporter of Biden. Recently, Kimmel moderated a fundraiser featuring Biden and former President Barack Obama. However, he has yet to publicly comment on Biden’s debate performance or his re-election bid.
George Clooney and Julia Roberts
George Clooney and Julia Roberts have long supported Democratic politics and Biden’s campaign. Clooney recently urged donations to the Biden campaign in a fundraising email, while Roberts has continued her behind-the-scenes efforts. Despite the debate controversy, both have remained steadfast in their support.
The Impact of Hollywood’s Shift
The withdrawal of support from high-profile Hollywood donors presents a significant challenge for Biden’s re-election campaign. These donors play a crucial role in funding and influencing the campaign’s strategies. Their dissatisfaction reflects broader concerns within the Democratic Party about Biden’s ability to secure a victory in the 2024 election.
