Julia Roberts has found herself in the midst of controversy following her appearance at the Cherokee County Reproductive Freedom Rally in Canton, Georgia, where she spoke in support of Vice President Kamala Harris.
The Academy Award-winning actress, known for her longtime support of the Democratic Party, addressed the crowd, passionately advocating for women’s reproductive rights ahead of the upcoming election.
She emphasized the importance of Georgia’s role in influencing national change, saying, I believe in Georgia. I wouldn’t have come home if I didn’t believe that we can accomplish really beautiful goals.
However, it was Roberts’ remarks encouraging women to engage more men in support of Harris that sparked backlash.
She urged the predominantly female audience to talk to the men in their lives, which some critics on social media viewed as condescending. Her call for bipartisan dialogue, urging voters to engage with people holding different political views, also drew mixed reactions.
Online critics questioned her motivations, while others ridiculed her for what they perceived as a patronizing tone.
Despite the criticism, Roberts remained firm in her message of unity, encouraging hope and optimism.
While some praised her advocacy for broader voter engagement, others questioned her awareness of Harris’s current role as Vice President.
The event, which featured other prominent figures like Stacey Abrams and Doug Emhoff, aimed to mobilize voters in the battleground state.
However, Roberts’ appearance has highlighted the challenges of uniting voters around Harris, particularly in reaching male supporters.