A Cautionary Message for Celebrities Embracing Politics in the Spotlight

Zack Peter, the host of the influential pop culture podcast “No Filter,” is voicing his concerns about celebrities who have recently ramped up their political engagement. He observes that many Hollywood stars openly express their views on pressing issues through social media platforms and during high-profile award shows, often regardless of whether their audiences truly seek their opinions.

Peter highlighted the actions of celebrities like Rachel Zegler and Selena Gomez, who have been particularly vocal in the political arena. Their recent comments and posts illustrate a trend that may merit closer scrutiny.

Selena Gomez’s Emotional Outrage

In January, Selena Gomez shared a video on Instagram where she expressed deep distress over various immigration issues in the United States. This outpouring of emotion soon followed with her glamorous appearance at the Oscars, adorned in luxurious attire, leading Peter to question the genuine nature of her message.

“People are kind of just tired of Hollywood telling us what we’re supposed to do,” Peter commented. “This last year has been quite revealing. Hollywood seems to be virtue signaling while pretending to care about significant causes. For example, Selena Gomez cried about immigration and shortly thereafter, walked the red carpet laden with jewels. That sends mixed signals about her priorities.”

In her poignant Instagram video, Gomez tearfully stated, “All my people are getting attacked, the children. I don’t understand. I’m so sorry, I wish I could do something, but I can’t. I don’t know what to do. I’ll try everything, I promise.” However, she swiftly deleted this message, only to follow up with another Instagram story apologizing for her empathetic display, indicating a complex relationship with her public persona.

The Perception of Virtue Signaling

Peter emphasized the growing sense of skepticism among the public regarding celebrity activism. He noted, “So I think people just feel like it’s fake, right? It’s a lot of virtue signaling. It’s a lot of pandering that I think people are just tired of. We don’t want to be lectured to.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern that celebrity-driven commentary may often lack authenticity.

The Impact of Rachel Zegler

Rachel Zegler, another figure in the public eye, has faced backlash for her controversial posts on social media, which some believe contributed to the disappointing box office performance of Disney’s recent remake of “Snow White.” In the lead-up to the film’s premiere, Zegler garnered attention for her politically charged statements, including her support for Palestine and her critical remarks directed at former President Donald Trump and his supporters.

Peter remarked on the potential consequences of such bold declarations, stating, “People have kind of tuned out when celebrities make their political-pandering comments on social media. It’s vital to approach support for social issues in a manner that does not alienate audiences. If celebrities wish to voice their opinions, they should strive for messages that unify rather than deepen political divides.”

Calls for Thoughtful Engagement

In his critique, Peter has also expressed concern over the way celebrities communicate their views, particularly regarding politically charged topics. He asserted, “There’s a way to share your support for something without isolating people at the same time. And so I think we need more of that.” This perspective highlights the importance of thoughtful dialogue in celebrity activism.

Jane Fonda’s Perspective on Activism

Veteran actress Jane Fonda has also made headlines for her political statements. While accepting her Life Achievement Award at the 2025 Screen Actors Guild awards, she defended the concept of being “woke” as fundamentally linked to empathy. “What we actors create is empathy,” Fonda stated. “Our job is to understand another human being so profoundly that we can touch their souls.” This notion stands in contrast to the skepticism expressed by Peter.

The Disconnect Between Celebrities and the Public

Despite their prominent platforms, Peter pointed out that celebrities may have a diminishing influence on American politics. He remarked, “If Hollywood had the power that it had, Kamala Harris would have been elected president. The reality is that celebrities are not in sync with the sentiments of the public and their political statements increasingly fall flat. The recent election serves as evidence of this disconnect.”

In a landscape where celebrity opinions flood social media, the call for authenticity and genuine engagement becomes more significant than ever. As audiences grow tired of performative gestures, the responsibility rests on public figures to ensure their statements contribute positively to the discourse.

Navigating Celebrity Influence in Politics

Ultimately, the dialogue surrounding celebrity involvement in politics calls for a reevaluation. As public figures grapple with the complexities of societal issues, they should remain mindful of their potential impact. Emphasizing inclusivity and understanding can help bridge the gap between celebrity opinions and public perception.

As the landscape of celebrity culture continues to evolve, both celebrities and their audiences must navigate this relationship with care. It remains crucial for celebrities to find a balance between advocating for causes they believe in while respecting their audience’s varying perspectives and experiences.