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Stars Once Avoided Politics Out of Caution. Those Days Are Over (Guest Column)


Stars were once cautioned to avoid politics to protect their brand. Those days are over, writes media critic Brian Lowry in a guest column.

Harrison Ford captured that in customarily taciturn style by publicly endorsing Kamala Harris, putting him back in the fight, figuratively speaking, alongside his more outspoken one-time “Star Wars” co-star Mark Hamill, among others. Granted, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, Harrison Ford, Bruce Springsteen, Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and George Clooney might not have many mountains left to climb, professionally speaking, but their embrace of Kamala Harris’ campaign provides ample and somewhat reassuring precedent for anyone tempted to follow suit. Yes, these stars, studios and labels might marginally sacrifice a few ticket sales, downloads or (for Jordan and his heirs) sneaker purchases, but those alienated are almost surely offset, in part and perhaps entirely, by the goodwill and enhanced bonds generated among those who welcome having these big names on their side.

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