Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s decision to stop publicly discussing politics has triggered sharp backlash from celebrities, with “Star Trek” icon George Takei calling him a “coward” and “Stand By Me” actor Wil Wheaton adding that the silence is disappointing. The
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson didn’t just draw a line around his personal brand—he drew one around public politics, and it’s now set off a public fight.
On Tuesday, the actor was blasted by celebrities after he confirmed earlier this month that he would no longer publicly discuss politics. The criticism landed fast, including direct condemnation from “Star Trek” icon George Takei and “Stand By Me” star Wil Wheaton, who called Johnson a “coward.”
The spark came from an Esquire interview published earlier this month. Johnson said. “I’ve learned I’m going to keep my politics to myself.” He added. “There are moments when. hey. there’s nothing we can’t talk about. If I’m wrong. I’ll tell you I’m wrong.” Johnson also said. “Or if I feel like I got a leg up and this is the right way to go. I’ll share it with you.”.
In the same interview, he described politics as something he finds exhausting. “Politics is omnipresent and it’s forever. I don’t like it. [Laughs.] I hate it at times. I hate the slinging. I hate all the bullshit that comes with it.”
Takei’s response was immediate and pointed. He shared an article about Johnson’s comments and wrote on Threads, “Silence is complicity.” Wheaton followed with his own rebuke, saying, “So disappointing to find out he is such a coward.”
The anger isn’t just political—it’s personal for Takei. He was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1937, to Japanese parents. During World War II, he and his family were forcibly interned by the U.S. government under the administration of former President Franklin D. Roosevelt after Japan’s surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, when Takei was 5.
Johnson’s critics argue the stakes are too high for celebrity neutrality. while Johnson frames his decision as control over his own space. His career shifted dramatically after his days as a professional wrestler. but even as his Hollywood success has grown. he has “nonetheless uttered nary a word about the harmful policies of the Trump administration. ” according to the account of his public record.
The controversy also connects to an earlier remark Johnson made on Fox News in 2024. He said he regretted endorsing former President Joe Biden in 2020, adding, “My goal is to bring this country together. I believe in that. There will be no endorsement. At this level of influence. I will keep my politics to myself.” Johnson argued that his endorsement had caused division among his fans—or. as he put it. his customers.
In the Esquire interview. Johnson described a different kind of comparison: Bruce Springsteen. “who I love. ” and the way the singer routinely calls out Trump mid-concert. Johnson said. “Oh. then why don’t they talk?” He argued that while he isn’t sure “where that goes. ” communication is “an important step.”.
The backlash Tuesday underscores the contradiction people are wrestling with: Johnson says politics is something he hates watching and participating in publicly. but others believe that when policies affect real lives. silence can land like a choice. For Takei and Wheaton. the dispute isn’t really about whether Johnson feels comfortable—it’s about whether staying quiet is morally defensible when the country is in the middle of high-pressure. high-consequence politics.
Dwayne Johnson The Rock George Takei Wil Wheaton Esquire interview politics silence Trump administration Joe Biden endorsement Fox News 2024 Threads