Dwayne Johnson Says He Will Keep Politics Private, Focus on Storytelling
Actor Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson told Esquire magazine he intends to keep his political views private and focus on art and storytelling. The comments expand on a position he took during a 2024 Fox News interview, when he declined to endorse any presidential candidate after his 2020 endorsement of Joe Biden drew criticism. Johnson's decision reflects a broader trend of celebrities reassessing the impact of political endorsements on their public image and audiences.
In a wide-ranging cover story for Esquire, Dwayne Johnson said that creativity and storytelling have become the central focus of his life, and that he plans to keep his political opinions to himself going forward. Johnson stated he dislikes the divisiveness and 'mud-slinging' that accompanies political discourse, saying he 'hates' the culture surrounding it. His remarks build on a 2024 Fox News interview in which he declined to endorse any presidential candidate, citing the division his 2020 Biden endorsement had caused. Johnson framed his stance as a responsibility tied to his level of public influence, saying political decisions are 'between me and the ballot box.' The Esquire profile also touched on artificial intelligence, with Johnson describing himself as 'cautiously interested, even excited' about the technology's potential, advocating for engagement over avoidance. The interview was published ahead of the release of Disney's live-action 'Moana,' in which Johnson reprises his role as the demigod Maui.
What's missing
Neither source addresses whether Johnson has faced any professional or commercial consequences from his prior political endorsement, nor do they explore how his celebrity peers have responded to or been affected by similar decisions.
How coverage differed
Both outlets reported the story factually and used similar quotes, but the Washington Times added context that Johnson's 2020 Biden endorsement caused 'an incredible amount of division,' framing his retreat from politics partly as a response to backlash, while Breitbart emphasized his desire to focus on art without highlighting that specific fallout.
What different sources said
- Washington TimesRight
Dwayne Johnson vows to keep politics private, focus on art
- BreitbartFar Right
Dwayne Johnson: Going Forward, I Will 'Keep My Politics to Myself'
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