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 said his priority is bringing the country together rather than engaging in what he called the 'slinging' and 'bullshit' of political discourse.
In a wide-ranging cover story for Esquire, Dwayne Johnson stated 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 acknowledged that his 2020 endorsement of Joe Biden caused 'an incredible amount of division,' a consequence he said he has no desire to repeat. He framed his decision not as a want but as a necessity, saying the 'main thing' for him is art and creation. The interview 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 profile 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 provides detail on what specific experiences or backlash most directly prompted Johnson's decision to disengage from politics beyond the general reference to division caused by the 2020 Biden endorsement.
How coverage differed
Both outlets reported the story factually and used largely the same quotes. The Washington Times added the context that Johnson's 2020 Biden endorsement caused 'an incredible amount of division,' a detail Breitbart omitted, while Breitbart identified Johnson by his 'Fast Five' film credit, a framing choice absent from the Washington Times piece.
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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