Loading...
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson seems to have rocked the boat with many of his Republican followers after publicly endorsing Joe Biden to become the next president of the United States.
It was the very first time The Rock has publically endorsed a presidential candidate - and the response has been divisive, to say the least.
Taking to Instagram over the weekend, the former WWE Champion told his fans in the caption of the bold post:
"It’s always important to identify the conversations that really matter - and this conversation is critical - voting. All of us getting out there to cast our vote for who we want. Our voice. Our power. And keep this in mind, no matter how strongly your opinion may differ from mine, it’s always gonna be ok. You can yell all you want, but I’m not blocking you from our conversation. I won't even yell back. "Because we all have work to do, now let's talk about VOTING!"
The full video can be seen below:
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/CFp6O1eF73U/]]
Following the highly political message, countless fans took to the comments to share their disapproval, with some fans referring to Johnson as a "Hollywood owned puppet". Many also explicitly told the star that they were now unfollowing him.
Check out some of the comments below:
So what did The Rock actually say that got conservatives so riled up? Well, in the first of a two-part video, the star told fans:
"We are approximately five weeks away from election day - arguably the most critical election day our country has seen in decades."
The wrestler and actor continued: "Now, I've got friends in all parties, and the one thing that we can always agree on is the conversation and the dialogue, and where that conversation lands is always the most critical part."
In reference to the fact that he has never publically endorsed a presidential ticket before, Johnson said: "This is something that I've certainly not done in the past, so I'm gonna go big. You guys know me; if I go, I go big.
"I had the opportunity to sit down with Vice President Joe Biden and Senator Kamala Harris to talk about a number of important issues that we're facing as a country."
Johnson then stated:
"I thought that it was a great and extremely productive conversation that we had.
And as a registered Independent for years now, with centralist ideologies, I do feel that Vice President Biden and Senator Harris are the best choice for our country, and I am endorsing them to become President and Vice President of our United States."
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/CFEHL45Fhlk/]]
Johnson then shared footage from his video call with Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, in which the Democratic vice presidential nominee revealed she was a huge fan of the Fast and Furious franchise as well as the Jumanji movies.
After Johnson acknowledged his endorsement for the political tag team, Biden thanked the Hollywood icon, saying: "It means a great deal to us, for real."
Johnson then praised Harris' career and labeled her a "certified bad-ass".
Over the course of their conversation, Johnson asked Biden and Harris how they would "earn the respect of all the American people" once they're in the White House - to which Biden replied:
"By doing what we say we're going to do. By keeping our word. By leveling with the American people. By taking responsibility.
"When we fail - acknowledge it. We're not going to be perfect - but take responsibility.
"Say, 'This is what I'm going to do, this is what I believe'. And tell truth.
"That sounds so basic. But the American people are strong. They're tough. They can take anything if you level with them and tell the truth."
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/CEfrrhclzLI/]]
Biden then said that their administration is "going to look like America" and is "going to be representative of all of America".
Writing alongside the video, Johnson said: "As a political independent and centrist for many years, I’ve voted for Democrats in the past and as well as Republican.
"In this critical election, I believe Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are the best to lead our country, and as my first ever (public) Presidential endorsement, I proudly endorse them for the presidential office of our United States.
"Progress takes courage, humanity, empathy, strength, grit, kindness and respect.
"Being KIND & RESPECTFUL to one another will always matter.
"Now we must ALL VOTE, so click the link below and I'll help you get it done."