In a surprising twist, President Joe Biden has seemingly thrown his longtime Hollywood ally, George Clooney, under the bus following a disagreement over a sensitive international issue. This comes after Clooney, known for his staunch Democratic support, participated in a star-studded fundraiser that reportedly raised $28 million for Biden’s re-election campaign.
The spat stems from Biden's response to an International Criminal Court (ICC) announcement that it would seek arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leaders over actions in Gaza. Clooney, whose wife Amal Clooney is an international human rights lawyer involved with the ICC, reportedly expressed his displeasure with Biden's stance on the matter.
What a hero George Clooney is for coming forward 3 weeks after his fundraiser to declare Joe Biden a vegtable #Clooney https://t.co/OPb77L9mwd pic.twitter.com/6p0GDEW0Di
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) July 10, 2024
Despite the friction, Clooney attended the high-profile fundraiser at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The event, hosted by comedian Jimmy Kimmel, featured a lineup of Hollywood heavyweights including Julia Roberts, Barbra Streisand, and Sheryl Lee Ralph. Former President Barack Obama also made an appearance, emphasizing the stakes of the upcoming election and criticizing former President Donald Trump.
During the fundraiser, Obama and Biden took turns lambasting Trump. Obama condemned the normalization of behavior that would have been disqualifying in the past, referencing Trump’s numerous legal troubles and his impact on the Supreme Court. Biden, meanwhile, mocked Trump’s infamous suggestion of using bleach to combat COVID-19, drawing laughter from the audience.
Moron George Clooney held a fundraiser for Joe Biden last month… He’s done numerous events for him over the years. If this Hollywood imbecile is only now figuring out that Joe Biden is a vegetable, he’s likely dumber than Joe Biden himself, which is truly saying something. https://t.co/5K0z5g8awF
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) July 11, 2024
The event was marked by a mix of humor and serious political discourse. Kimmel's quip about being introduced by "Batman" instead of Jason Bateman set a light-hearted tone, but the conversation quickly shifted to the critical issues at hand. Obama and Biden both stressed the importance of the upcoming election, with Biden highlighting his administration's legislative achievements and Obama urging the audience to vote rather than merely express their discontent.
Clooney's presence, despite his recent criticism of Biden, underscores the complex relationship between Hollywood and Washington. While the actor's involvement was crucial in mobilizing support and funds for Biden's campaign, the underlying tensions reveal the delicate balance of political alliances.
As the election approaches, both Biden and Trump are ramping up their fundraising efforts. Trump, who recently raised over $50 million at an event in Florida, continues to criticize Biden's handling of the economy and his ties to Hollywood elites. Biden's team, however, is optimistic that the support from high-profile fundraisers will provide a significant boost to his re-election campaign.
This episode highlights the intersection of politics and celebrity, where personal disagreements can impact public events and campaigns. As Biden navigates these complexities, his ability to maintain strong alliances while addressing critical issues will be pivotal in the upcoming election.
