Shonda Rhimes, Jamie Lee Curtis, Spike Lee, More Celebs Endorse Kamala Harris

A vocal anti-Trumper and longtime Democratic supporter, Robert DeNiro told the Hollywood Reporter in a statement, “In an act of shrewd politics and selfless patriotism, Joe Biden is stepping aside to clear the path for another Democrat to become president . . . because there is nothing more important for our country than defeating Donald Trump at the ballot box. With respect, admiration, and affection, thank you Mr. President!”

Many Hollywood Democrats have remained publicly silent regarding the 2024 election, hesitant to support Biden’s bid for reelection. When there wasn’t much excitement around his candidacy, certain players in the industry still supported the current president’s campaign; they emphasized the importance of voting for Biden’s administration and rallying around issues he supported. But after the first disastrous presidential debate on June 27, many in the industry began to express their concerns about the likelihood of Trump beating Biden in November.

Even Biden’s biggest donors and longtime advocates spoke out against him. Netflix CEO Reed Hastings was one of the first major donors to speak out publicly, telling the New York Times on July 3, “Biden needs to step aside to allow a vigorous Democratic leader to beat Trump and keep us safe and prosperous.” Then on July 10, George Clooney published an op-ed in the New York Times calling for Biden to rescind his campaign for presidency. 

“We are not going to win in November with this president. On top of that, we won’t win the House, and we’re going to lose the Senate. This isn’t only my opinion; this is the opinion of every senator and Congress member and governor that I’ve spoken with in private,” Clooney wrote. “Every single one, irrespective of what he or she is saying publicly.”

Back in June, Clooney hosted a fundraiser in Los Angeles for Biden’s campaign, raising $30 million. But the actor wrote in the Times that it was at this event he realized Biden was declining.

Screenwriter Aaron Sorkin also wrote a New York Times op-ed encouraging Biden to drop out of the race, causing a stir online when he suggested that Democrats nominate Mitt Romney on the ticket.

After rumors swirled for weeks about Biden potentially dropping out of the race and Biden made his formal announcement, more and more members of Hollywood seem to feel emboldened supporting Harris and speaking about the 2024 election in general.

Sheryl Lee Ralph posted a photo with Harris on Instagram with the caption, “When she wins, we win!”