UPDATE: In a candid interview on The New York Times’ podcast “The Interview” on October 14, 2023, actress Jennifer Lawrence revealed her decision to steer clear of politics, citing concerns over exacerbating national divisions. Lawrence, known for her outspoken views during Donald Trump’s first term, emphasized the urgency of protecting her art from political backlash.
Lawrence described the current political climate as “ripping the country apart.” She stated, “I don’t really know if I should [comment on politics]. The first Trump administration was so wild… I felt like I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off.” The actress expressed her belief that celebrity opinions do not significantly influence voter behavior, stating, “I’m just sharing my opinion on something that’s going to add fuel to a fire.”
The “Hunger Games” star highlighted her “complicated recalibration” regarding political expression, aiming to avoid alienating audiences. “With this temperature and the way things can turn out, I don’t want to start turning people off to films and to art that could change consciousness,” she said, reinforcing her commitment to her craft.
Lawrence acknowledged her previous criticisms of Trump, particularly an op-ed she wrote in 2016, claiming that Trump’s victory meant that “the only people that feel safe… are White men.” However, her current stance is to express her beliefs through her artistry instead of direct political commentary. She noted, “I try to express my politics through my work,” pointing to upcoming projects from her production company that reflect the political landscape.
Among her recent works is the film “Bread and Roses,” which depicts the struggles of three Afghan women amid the Taliban’s resurgence in 2021, and the documentary “Zurawski v. Texas,” focusing on abortion rights.
Reflecting on her past political remarks, Lawrence humorously stated, “I regret everything I’ve ever done or said.” She emphasized the uniqueness of the current political environment, noting, “The second term feels different. Because he said what he was going to do. We knew what he did for four years.”
As the nation grapples with political polarization, Lawrence’s insights resonate deeply, urging both fans and critics to consider the broader implications of celebrity influence on public discourse.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
