Although President Joe Biden has long enjoyed Hollywood’s support, the 81-year-old has faced a decline in favor among celebrities following his confusing debate performance.
Less than three weeks ago, Biden stood proudly with stars like George Clooney, Barbra Streisand, and Julia Roberts at a glamorous fundraiser for the Democratic presidential nominee. This Los Angeles event, held at the Peacock Theater, raised $30 million for Biden before his unfortunate debate performance. During the event, former President Barack Obama had to gently guide Biden off the stage after he awkwardly stared at the audience, drawing criticism.
While celebrities like Roberts and Clooney might have overlooked this and similar incidents before the fundraiser, the June 27 debate was a turning point for many in Hollywood. From Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings, who has donated $20 million to the Democratic Party, to Disney heiress Abigail Disney, Biden has lost significant support from Hollywood moguls in the days following the debate.
“Step aside to allow a vigorous Democratic leader to beat Trump and keep us safe and prosperous,” Hastings urged Biden, according to the New York Times. Disney, a major Democratic donor, also told the outlet she was halting donations to Democrats “until they bite the bullet and replace Biden at the top of the ticket.”
Other Democratic celebrity donors have also withdrawn their support from Biden. Lost co-creator Damon Lindelof pledged to withhold donations to the Democratic Party until it makes a change at the top of the ticket, emphasizing the need for a candidate who can win. According to the New York Times, Lindelof has donated $125,000 to the Biden campaign and nearly the same amount to Democratic Senate and House candidates this election cycle.
Former DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg, who organized the Peacock Theater fundraiser, has remained unusually silent since the debate and declined to comment on whether he is withdrawing his support.
