Celebs at Occupy Wall Street Get Ridiculed
Celebrities throwing their stars onto the Occupy Wall Street bandwagon aren't always getting the warm reception they had hoped for. Alec Baldwin, for example, got hassled by both the Left and the Right during his visit to New York's Zuccotti Park, the movement's epicenter.
Some criticism is to be expected, according to publicist Howard Bragman, "There's a lot of empathy in the entertainment industry for the poor and middle class. But with the message constantly changing among the protesters, no one knows where this is all going to end up. And celebrities are wealthy people, they have to be careful not to seem disingenuous."
Baldwin, best known for playing corporate exec Jack Donaghy on NBC's 30 Rock, was attacked by the Left because he also stars in ads for Capital One (COF). According to The New York Daily News, one internet commentator said, "He's a [bleep-]ing hack for taking the gig, even if he did give the money away." (Baldwin later tweeted that he donated all money from the Cap One gig to charity.)
Meanwhile, back at the other end of the political spectrum, supporters of Rep. Ron Paul hounded Baldwin during his visit because he doesn't support getting rid of the Federal Reserve and wouldn't endorse Paul's presidential bid. (Guys, do you really want his endorsement?)
As for his own opinions, Baldwin told the protesters:
I don't want the capital markets to be dismantled. I think capitalism is worthwhile, and capitalism demands the flow of money. ... The banks are going to do what the banks do. And you want the banks to do what banks do. But when the banks [act] like they are a hockey player that starts throwing their elbow in your eye socket, you want the SEC to throw the flag. The SEC never throws the flag.It's a very strange moment in American history when Alec Baldwin is one of the moderate voices in the political debate.
Given the incredible diversity of opinion at the protests, celebs better not expect everyone to think its great that they stopped by (although that same diversity also guarantees that someone will). It is worth noting that in addition to the people who barked at Baldwin, there were many who voiced support for his opinions and appreciated him coming out on what was a cold, rainy night.
Here's just a few of the stars who've thrown themselves down among the protesters.
Image: mediate.com
Next: The gallery of celebrities
Related:
- Evicting Wall Street Protesters Would Be a Disaster for Bloomberg
- If Occupy Wall Street Doesn't Matter, Why Are the Powerful So Nervous?
- Occupy Wall Street and the Original Tea Party Are Two Sides of a Red Hot Coin
- The Economic Recovery Isn't In Trouble -- It Just Never Really Existed
Susan Sarandon and her ex-Tim Robbins show up for so many of the same protests they might as well get back together. While that isn't all that surprising, what is downright amazing is that Fox News paused from its reflexive liberal bashing to almost agree with the former couple:
The demonstrations, taking place in New York and now other cities and other nations, have a classic lefty feel. But there's more to this, if you dig deep enough. These protests do reflect the genuine economic fears that many Americans feel. ... It's Wisconsin East, except the protesters here aren't even striking from jobs. Many just don't work, though to be fair, that isn't always by choice.
Next: DR. EVIL MAKES THE SWINGIN' SCENE»
DR. EVIL MAKES THE SWINGIN' SCENE
Mike Myers is one of the few stars to visit who has appeal across the political spectrum so he had little to worry about when he went to Zuccotti Park. Liberals love Austin Powers relaxed sexual morality, while Conservatives identify with Dr. Evil's devotion to personal enrichment. Also, there is bipartisan agreement that it's been a long time since Myers made a funny movie. Myers solidified his standing with both camps when he came up with a sound bite that meant nothing and would offend no one: "I hope that the system changes towards inclusion and that's it."
Next: SOME OF THE CRITICS HAVE BADGES»
SOME OF THE CRITICS HAVE BADGES
Writers Cornell West and Naomi Wolf found out that the police deliver their criticism of celebrity actions in a very direct way. Both got busted during the protests. Wolf (center) was nicked in New York for "resisting a lawful order," which couldn't have impressed her chums in the lockup very much. West and singer Raheem DeVaughn got picked up in Washington while showing solidarity at the Supreme Court over the weekend. No reports as to whether West will be having a beer with the arresting officers this time.
Image: guardian.co.uk/MikeShane
Next: FAKE REPORTER COVERS REAL PROTEST»
FAKE REPORTER COVERS REAL PROTEST
Daily Show correspondent John Oliver impersonated a reporter while interviewing protesters for a segment on the show.
Best moment:
OLIVER (to protester): That sounds entirely reasonable.It's always a refreshing change when fake reporters admit to being fake reporters. You may now assume this is a reference to either Glenn Beck or Keith Olbermann, depending on your preferences.PROTESTER: I think so.
OLIVER: ... and you're dressed like a viking.
PROTESTER: Yeah...
Image via Wiki Commons
Next: IS KANYE WEST AN OCCUPY WALL STREET GOLD DIGGER? »
IS KANYE WEST AN OCCUPY WALL STREET GOLD DIGGER?
Musician Kanye West (in red shirt) has given both time and money to Occupy Wall Street but this hasn't won him universal acclaim. One person wrote on the Occupy Wall Street Tumblr page: "A capitalist symbol of excess and fetishism, attempting to get some attention at a popular movement," wrote Another said, "Didn't Kanye just release an album bragging about being in the [wealthy] 1 percent?"
Image: Getty Images