John Schneider, best known for his role as Bo Duke in the iconic TV series “The Dukes of Hazzard,” has found himself in the spotlight once again, but this time for reasons far removed from his acting career. Schneider, who has been vocal about his conservative views, recently faced backlash after posting a controversial tweet directed at President Joe Biden. The tweet, which has since been deleted, suggested that Biden and his son should be “publicly hung” for treason.
Schneider’s tweet was a response to a post by President Biden, who criticized former President Donald Trump for posing threats to democracy. Schneider’s reply read, “Mr. President, I believe you are guilty of treason and should be publicly hung. Your son too.” The tweet was quickly removed, but not before it caught the attention of many, including the U.S. Secret Service.
The Secret Service, responsible for the protection of the President and his family, confirmed that they are aware of Schneider’s comments. While they did not provide specific details, they stated that they investigate all threats related to their protectees. According to the Department of Justice, making threats against the President or their immediate family can result in federal Class D felony charges, which carry penalties of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Schneider, however, denies that his tweet was a threat. In a statement to Deadline, he said, “I absolutely did not call for an act of violence or threaten a U.S. president as many other celebrities have done in the past. I suggest you re-read my actual post and pay attention to the words before believing this nonsense.” Despite his denial, the tweet has already had significant repercussions for the actor.
Fox, the network behind “The Masked Singer,” where Schneider recently appeared as the man behind the doughnut mask, has canceled all of his scheduled press appearances. Schneider had placed second on the show, behind singer NE-YO, and had expressed how much the experience meant to him. “Being out there on that stage dressed like a doughnut, singing some of the greatest songs ever written, and having people respond to the songs and the performance with no notion that it was me, really, really helped John Schneider,” he told People.
This isn’t the first time Schneider has faced challenges due to his conservative views. In 2018, he was jailed for non-payment of alimony and claimed that his conservative values may have hurt him in court. Despite his struggles, Schneider has remained steadfast in his beliefs. In a 2021 interview with Fox Business, he discussed how his viewpoints had impacted his acting career, leading him to launch an independent production company with his wife, Alicia, who passed away from breast cancer earlier this year.
The company has produced several films, including “Christmas Cars,” which defends the use of the Confederate flag, and “To Die For,” which suggests that people can be arrested for flying the American flag. Schneider also sells his own line of CBD products, diversifying his income streams as he navigates the challenges of his career.
“The Dukes of Hazzard,” the show that catapulted Schneider to fame, aired on CBS from 1979 to 1985 and was one of the top-rated television series of its time. The show followed the adventures of Bo and Luke Duke, two cousins living in rural Georgia, who often found themselves at odds with the corrupt county commissioner Boss Hogg and the bumbling Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane. The series was known for its car chases, stunts, and the iconic 1969 Dodge Charger, the General Lee.
Despite the show’s popularity, it has not been without controversy. The use of the Confederate flag on the General Lee has been a point of contention, particularly in recent years as the flag has come to be seen by many as a symbol of racism and hate. Schneider has defended the flag, stating that it represents a piece of history and Southern pride.
As Schneider faces the fallout from his recent tweet, it remains to be seen how it will impact his career and public image. While he has managed to maintain a presence in the entertainment industry through his independent projects and other ventures, the backlash from his comments about President Biden could pose new challenges.
For now, Schneider continues to stand by his beliefs, even as he navigates the complexities of being a conservative figure in a predominantly liberal industry. Whether he will be able to weather this latest storm remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the star of “The Dukes of Hazzard” is no stranger to controversy and has shown a resilience that has kept him in the public eye for decades.
Source: Deadline, People, Fox Business, Department of Justice, U.S. Secret Service
