Photo: (Getty Images)
While many celebs choose to keep their political opinions quiet, others openly express them in their work, at their concerts, or even just online. From Tweets, to rap lyrics, to a "Star 'Mangled' Banner," here are a few celeb political statements that sparked up some major controversy!
+ Nicki Minaj Endorses Mitt Romney
Ha! Thank you for understanding my creative humor & sarcasm Mr. President, the smart ones always do... *sends love & support* @barackobama
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) September 10, 2012
Although Nicki Minaj has the right to wear any neon-colored wig and support any political candidate of her choosing, many people were recently surprised to hear her rap "I'm a Republican voting for Mitt Romney" on Lil Wayne's new song "Mercy." During a radio interview in Florida, President Obama replied to a question about her so-called endorsement by saying, "She likes to play different characters. So I don't know what's going on there," Nicki later took to Twitter to send Obama her "love & support," explaining that her words were just "creative humor and sarcasm."
+ Jimi Hendrix Slays The National Anthem
Back in '69 Jimi Hendrix played a controversial version of "The Star Spangled Banner" at the Woodstock Festival. (Think of Woodstock as the original Coachella, years before hippies devolved into hipsters.) Although Jimi said he meant nothing by it, many think he played his electric guitar to emulate the sounds of bombs bursting and rockets glaring, as if to make a bold statement against the Vietnam War and U.S. government.
+ Kelly Clarkson supports Ron Paul
I love Ron Paul. I liked him a lot during the last republican nomination and no one gave him a chance. If he wins t... say.ly/IVK1c5E
— Kelly Clarkson (@kelly_clarkson) December 29, 2011
Last December, Kelly Clarkson Tweeted her support for presidential candidate Ron Paul, saying, "I love Ron Paul. I liked him a lot during the last Republican nomination and no one gave him a chance." While the Twitter reaction was less than positive, her sales jumped almost 450% following her Tweet. Coincidence or not?
+ The Dixie Chicks are "Not Ready To Make Nice" with George W.
In 2003, The Dixie Chicks' Natalie Maines told a London audience, "I am ashamed the President of the United States is from Texas." Although Bush supporters (who make up a large part of the country music fan base) went ballistic, Bush himself stood up for the band saying, "The Dixie Chicks are free to speak their mind…they shouldn't have their feelings hurt just because some people don't want to buy their records when they speak out."
Tons of other celebs have been public about their political affiliations. Oprah, Beyonce, and Ashton Kutcher are on Team Obama, while Clint Eastwood, Donald Trump, and even Chuck Norris rep Team Romney. What do you think about celebs speaking out for or against the government? Would you stop supporting your favorite musician because they don't support your favorite politician? Let us know in the comments section below!
