Thescreescore – Chris Pratt, the charismatic star of franchises like Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World, recently ignited a firestorm of controversy by publicly defending his extended family member, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Donald Trump’s controversial Secretary of Health and Human Services. Kennedy, the cousin of Pratt’s mother-in-law, Maria Shriver, has long been a lightning rod for his outspoken, often scientifically-challenged, views on public health. His past stances, including the rejection of the link between HIV and AIDS and his controversial theories on antidepressants and school shootings, have been widely criticized. His appointment to the Trump administration only intensified the scrutiny, particularly after he oversaw a $500 million cut in vaccine funding.
Pratt’s unexpected defense came during an appearance on Bill Maher’s Club Random podcast. He described spending time with Kennedy in a "strictly family dinner kind of vibe," adding, "I really got along with him well. I think he’s great. I think he’s funny. I like him. I love him." This seemingly innocuous statement, however, quickly escalated into a public relations maelstrom.
The actor attempted to clarify his position, emphasizing his distance from politics while acknowledging its inherent complexities. He drew parallels between the political arena and Hollywood, stating, "Hollywood in itself is a political institution…I’ve seen how the person you are can be such a contrast to the person that people are being told that you are." He further suggested that the intense scrutiny surrounding Kennedy is a byproduct of his association with a highly divisive president, adding, "when you jump on the bandwagon with who is the most divisive president ever, it makes sense that you’re going to be made to look terrible."
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Pratt’s comments, however, stopped short of a full endorsement. He confessed, "I’m not going to pick his brain to find out exactly which of those things are true. I just kind of assume that none of them are and, for the most part, I wish him well." This carefully worded statement reveals a reluctance to engage deeply with Kennedy’s controversial positions, suggesting a prioritization of personal relationships over political stances.
The actor’s defense of Kennedy, while seemingly personal, has sparked a broader conversation about the intersection of celebrity, family, and political allegiance. Pratt’s attempt to navigate this complex terrain, while maintaining his public image, presents a fascinating case study in the challenges faced by Hollywood figures venturing into the turbulent waters of political discourse. The question remains: will this seemingly simple defense of a family member ultimately impact Pratt’s career trajectory? Only time will tell. The incident certainly adds a new layer of intrigue to the already complex narrative surrounding this beloved actor. And with the upcoming release of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, the timing couldn’t be more dramatic. Will this controversy overshadow the film’s success? The industry watches with bated breath.
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