Drea de Matteo, best known for her role in “The Sopranos,” recently opened up about the backlash she faces in Hollywood for her political views. During an appearance on Fox News’ “Jesse Watters Primetime,” the Emmy-winning actress expressed her concerns about the industry’s reaction to her refusal to endorse President Joe Biden. De Matteo, who has been vocal about her support for former President Donald Trump, suggested that many in Hollywood share her views but remain silent out of fear of criticism.
De Matteo’s comments came after host Jesse Watters aired clips from a high-profile Joe Biden fundraiser in Los Angeles, which raised $30 million and featured celebrities like George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Jack Black. The segment also included footage of Robert De Niro criticizing Trump outside a Manhattan courtroom during Trump’s hush money trial. De Matteo found the clips difficult to watch, particularly because of her Italian heritage and the involvement of figures like De Niro and Anthony Fauci.
“I am mortified right now by my people. I don’t understand what we’re doing here,” de Matteo said. “Yes, there are a lot of quiet Trump supporters.”
She questioned whether the actors at the Biden fundraiser were paid for their endorsements and speculated about De Niro receiving a location fee for his courtroom appearance. De Matteo emphasized that she has never conformed to Hollywood’s expectations, even during her time on “The Sopranos,” where she felt like an outcast despite the show’s critical acclaim.
“They’re going to take me out into the woods and shoot me for not endorsing Biden,” she quipped, referencing the fate of her “Sopranos” character, Adriana La Cerva, who was killed in the woods after being discovered as an FBI informant.
This isn’t the first time de Matteo has spoken out against the Hollywood establishment. Earlier this year, she told Fox Business that she believes the far left “owns Hollywood” and that many people are tired of it but are too afraid to speak out. She suggested that some might vote Republican despite their usual inclinations because they feel the current political climate is undemocratic.
De Matteo’s stance has had professional repercussions. She revealed that she had to pivot to an OnlyFans account after losing acting work due to her opposition to COVID vaccine mandates. “I guess you could say I was a bad girl because I did not follow the rules a couple of years ago,” she said, adding that the move helped her avoid foreclosure on her home.
The actress’s outspoken views have placed her in a unique position within Hollywood, where political opinions often align with the Democratic Party. Her experience highlights the challenges faced by those who hold dissenting views in an industry that can be unforgiving to nonconformists.
De Matteo’s situation is not unique. Other celebrities, like Amber Rose, have also faced backlash for their right-leaning views. Rose defended her support for Trump earlier this year, citing issues like transgender rights and abortion as reasons for her stance. The fear of criticism and professional repercussions keeps many in Hollywood from openly expressing their political beliefs, creating an environment where only one perspective is often heard.
The actress’s comments have sparked a broader conversation about the role of politics in Hollywood and the pressures faced by those who don’t conform to the prevailing narrative. While de Matteo remains defiant, her experience serves as a cautionary tale for others who might consider speaking out.
In a media landscape where political affiliations can significantly impact careers, de Matteo’s story underscores the importance of diversity of thought and the need for a more inclusive environment that allows for differing opinions. As the political climate continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how Hollywood will address these challenges and whether more voices like de Matteo’s will emerge.
Source: Fox News, Fox Business, Mediaite
