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On Tuesday, the producers of “The View” debated whether celebrities have more of a responsibility to talk about political issues or to entertain people and relieve them of those concerns.
Country music star Kenny Chesney spoke with Bill Maher on Monday’s episode of the “Club Random” podcast about why he rejects the idea that celebrities should tell people who to vote for.
“I never felt like it was my place,” Chesney said of celebrities speaking out about politics in public. “I’ve never seen it as my place to use my stage or platform, no matter where I play, to tell people how to think or how to vote. Like, they get that everywhere, everywhere, on every device, every network. They’re there as an escape from all that stuff.”
Co-host Whoopi Goldberg showed the interview to her co-hosts and asked for their thoughts.
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“The View” host Joy Behar has applauded rocker Bruce Springsteen as a good example of a celebrity using his platform to talk about political issues. (Alex Kormann/Minnesota Star Tribune via Getty Images)
Host Joy Behar praised Bruce Springsteen, who led the anti-Trump No Kings march, as an example of an outspoken celebrity.
“Springsteen walks the walk. He talks politics. He’s a great talent. He can afford it,” she said. “If you can afford it, you should speak up. It’s an American responsibility in a way.”
“It’s not everyone’s skill,” Goldberg replied.
Participant Sara Haines recalled actress Kerry Washington saying she felt a call to the public to speak out, but still said, “I like places you can go – Reba McEntire says the same thing as Kenny Chesney – ‘I provide music that brings us all together.’ I like being able to explore something and not be political. It’s a 24/7 news cycle. That’s all I eat. I need comedy, I need music.”
“But you’re going to do your research to see where that is. Not everyone talks about politics. Not everyone wants to and not everyone should,” Goldberg replied.
Behar, however, responded, “He says he doesn’t think he can make a difference. I don’t agree with that. I think everyone can make a difference.”
While host Sunny Hostin says he believes celebrity political calls to action can have a huge impact on people, he considers Kenny Chesney a close friend.
“Kenny Chesney and I are best friends. I know that sounds weird to people, but I adore Kenny. We spend a lot of time, we text each other, and we never talk about politics. Ever. It’s just not his jam. It’s not his thing,” he said. “And I think what he said is accurate. He doesn’t feel the need to talk about it. He doesn’t feel it’s his place.”
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Singer Kenny Chesney, by giving an important reason why he refuses to be political in his shows, sparked a debate on “The View.” (Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI)
“Look, it’s a free country. Do what you want,” Behar replied.
“We’ve talked about that at this table many times,” Hostin replied. I think if you have a platform and you’re comfortable using that platform to give a voice to people who don’t have a voice, you should do it. If you are free to do it.”
In May, the hosts of “The View” actually criticized singer Billy Bob Thornton for a similar statement on a podcast.
During an appearance on the “Howie Mandel Does Stuff” podcast, the 70-year-old “Landman” actor explained why he has never been one to use his Hollywood platform to force political or personal beliefs on others, paraphrasing the famous Ricky Gervais’s warning about political speeches during awards shows, “Get your little prize and f— off.”
“I don’t know anything about politics,” said Thornton. “I don’t know. And the things I believe, I don’t want to shove down someone else’s throat because I’m not an expert on that.”
Although Goldberg didn’t seem offended by the statement, Behar responded with disdain, saying, “Think you’re bragging about your ignorance.”
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“If you can afford it, you should speak up. It’s an American responsibility in a way,” said “The View” host Joy Behar. (Gary Gershoff/Getty Images)
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Hostin agreed, saying, “We’re at a critical juncture in this country. I think democracy is playing a role. I think if you have a platform, that means I have a big voice and if you have a platform, I think you have a responsibility to talk about what’s going on in this country and, in my opinion, silence is a responsibility. We need everyone involved to speak up.”
Goldberg concluded on Tuesday’s episode, however, saying, “You shouldn’t expect it from anyone unless they give it to you. If they give it to you, then it’s groovy. But if you’re going to go in looking for it, you’re going to wait, you’re angry that they don’t, it’s useless because everyone has the right to make up their own mind, and sometimes it’s not your thing.”
