When it comes to politics; should celebrities be more engaged?
WITH the shocking Brexit result last June, Theresa May's swift appointment as prime minister and a snap election fast-approaching, the political landscape in the UK has never felt so volatile. Thus, making probes on politics the question du jour in celebrity interviews as of late. But how are Britain’s influential A-listers joining the conversation? And how valuable are their contributions?
When it comes to discussing matters that veer away from pre publicist-approved territory, some - like Harry Styles - are quick to jump in with a quippy line or two without going into too much detail, while others will keep defiantly shtum in fear of sounding (or being exposed as) uninformed. This leaves most celebs in a bit of a Catch-22 scenario: damned if they do, damned if they don't.
In the lead-up to last year's referendum, celebrities certainly didn't shy away from sharing their views. Cara Delevingne, Victoria Beckham and Daniel Craig were just some of the famous faces to share their support for the Remain campaign on their social media accounts while another 250 - including Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley signed a letter urging Britons to support the decision to stay within the EU. Others - including Elizabeth Hurley and Michael Caine - spoke vehemently about their reasons for voting Leave. But with the General Election just three weeks away, it seems that Celebsville has gone quiet. Andy Murray and Victoria Beckham were just some of the well-known names to stipulate critics after stating their political views - could it be that celebrities are avoiding getting involved this time around at the risk of being vilified?
Beautiful graphics: Beautiful sentiment #VoteLeave#Brexit
As June 8 nears, perhaps we will start to see more British celebrities using their influence to speak up, if not through sharing their personal beliefs thank at least by encouraging people to vote. Whilst they gather their thoughts, Vogue takes a closer look at how the stars have handled “the politics question” so far.
Harry Styles
Most recent to jump on the political bandwagon was Harry Styles, whose contempt for Brexit became the headline for a Sunday Times Magazine interview that set out to promote his new album. When asked on who he would be voting for in the General Election, the One Direction frontman said: “I’m voting for whoever is against Brexit”. However, when asked to expand upon his statement, the singer skirted around specifics: “I’m not educated enough on the subject to really go toe-to-toe with someone about it, but disregarding the economic stuff and all of that, I think what it symbolises is the opposite of the world I would like to be in. I think the world should be more about being together and being better together and joining together, and I think it’s the opposite of that".
Joanna Lumley
Not known for her timidity, when asked to comment on the Brexit result at a recent Huffington Post conference, like Styles, the Absolutely Fabulous actress avoided specifics by simply expressing empathy with those who voted Leave. "You can understand people saying, 'Let’s get out of this. Let’s make our own decisions'", she told audience members.
Alicia Vikander
The Academy-Award winning actress, who hails from Sweden, was asked to comment on Britain’s decision to leave the EU in a recent magazine interview. "I couldn't believe my eyes," the 27-year-old answered, before going on to credit the European Union for her successful film career. "I am European. I grew up in a small country. Without it, I would not be where I am right now in my career – I wouldn't have been able to live with my three girlfriends in London. As a foreigner, I probably wouldn't have been cast in Anna Karenina if they'd had to pay for a working visa. I hope here in America that it opens people's eyes that you can't just let things happen. You need to get involved".
Margot Robbie
Whilst promoting Suicide Squad, Margot Robbie was asked by Stylist to respond to the UK's decision to leave the EU. The Australian actress told them: "I am so bummed. That was really shocking. The repercussions are massive”.
SOURCE: vogue.co.uk
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