Senator Lindsey Graham pushed back hard on Jack Osbourne’s take that celebrities should “shut the f*** up” about politics, arguing that Americans—including famous ones—have the freedom to speak their minds.
Senator Lindsey Graham didn’t mince words when he was asked about a recent comment Jack Osbourne made about celebrities and politics.
On Capitol Hill. Graham told TMZ DC that celebrities “should absolutely use their platforms to get involved. ” even if they’re going to be “obnoxious” about it.. Charlie—who brought him the question—referenced what Osbourne said last week: that celebrities should “shut the f*** up” when it comes to politics.
Graham said he couldn’t disagree more.
His reasoning was rooted in the idea that free speech isn’t a perk reserved for the non-famous. In his view, people fought and died for Americans to have the freedom to speak their minds about all issues—including politics—and that freedom extends to “famous citizens.”
That argument puts Graham directly in the middle of a recurring debate: whether celebrity political endorsements and commentary are meaningful or just noise.. Charlie noted the skepticism—some people argue it doesn’t help outcomes. pointing to the example of Kamala Harris—while Graham stuck to the larger principle instead.
He also suggested that trying to silence public figures is a dangerous slope. Graham’s stance is that everyone is entitled to their own opinions and should feel free to express them—whether it’s Jack or Chelsea Handler.
Handler, he pointed out, has been outspoken about Spencer Pratt moving from reality television into the thick of the Los Angeles mayoral race. Graham used that as part of his broader message: you don’t get to draw a hard line that excludes certain groups from political speech.
In the end, Graham’s takeaway was clear—shutting up one section of society is a slippery slope, and celebrities shouldn’t be treated like they’re outside the rules of American political engagement.
Lindsey Graham TMZ DC Jack Osbourne Chelsea Handler Spencer Pratt Kamala Harris Los Angeles mayoral race celebrity politics free speech