Major Celebrities Who Don’t Support Black Lives Matter

While the Black Lives Matter movement garnered widespread support across the entertainment industry, a distinct group of public figures chose to voice opposition or skepticism. Some celebrities offered critiques of the organization’s tactics and leadership, while others championed counter-slogans such as All Lives Matter or Blue Lives Matter. This divergence in opinion highlighted a significant ideological rift within Hollywood and the music industry. The following individuals have openly criticized the movement, questioned its validity, or faced backlash for refusing to align with its messaging.

Ye

Kanye West has been one of the most vocal critics of the Black Lives Matter movement within the hip-hop community. He notably wore a shirt emblazoned with the phrase ‘White Lives Matter’ during his Yeezy Season 9 fashion show in Paris, which he described as a statement against what he perceived as the movement’s hypocrisy. West later called the Black Lives Matter organization a “scam” in social media posts: a claim that drew intense criticism from activists and peers alike. His alignment with conservative figures and frequent denunciations of liberal social justice initiatives have further solidified his stance.

Lil Wayne

The rapper Lil Wayne faced backlash after a 2016 interview on ‘Nightline’ where he appeared dismissive of the Black Lives Matter movement. When asked about the protests, he stated that he did not feel connected to the cause because his fame and success made him feel removed from the struggle. He argued that his ability to succeed as a black man in America was proof enough that systemic barriers could be overcome. Although he later clarified that he was reacting to the reporter’s questions rather than the movement itself, his initial comments were widely viewed as a rejection of the cause.

Kid Rock

Musician Kid Rock has consistently voiced opposition to the Black Lives Matter movement through his music and public statements. He has frequently displayed confederate imagery at his concerts and criticized professional athletes who kneel during the national anthem. In his songs and interviews, he has aligned himself with the ‘Blue Lives Matter’ sentiment, emphasizing support for law enforcement over social justice protesters. His outspoken conservative views have made him a polarizing figure who actively rejects the premises of the BLM movement.

Terry Crews

Actor Terry Crews sparked controversy on Twitter when he warned against the Black Lives Matter movement morphing into “Black Supremacy.” Crews argued that defeating white supremacy without the cooperation of white people would only result in a new form of oppression. He remained firm in his stance despite waves of criticism from co-stars and fans who felt his comments undermined the movement’s goals. Crews has repeatedly emphasized the need for unity and reconciliation rather than what he perceives as the divisive rhetoric of modern activism.

James Woods

Veteran actor James Woods uses his social media platform to regularly critique the Black Lives Matter organization and its supporters. He has described the movement as a political tool rather than a genuine civil rights effort, often highlighting instances of violence or rioting associated with protests. Woods is a staunch supporter of the police and frequently posts using the ‘Blue Lives Matter’ hashtag. His commentary often aligns with conservative media narratives that frame BLM as a destructive force in American society.

Ted Nugent

Rock musician Ted Nugent has been an aggressive critic of Black Lives Matter: he has gone so far as to label it a terrorist organization. Nugent argues that the movement is based on a lie and ignores the reality of crime statistics within inner cities. He frequently defends police officers involved in high-profile shootings and claims that systemic racism is a fabrication of the political left. His inflammatory rhetoric has made him a hero to some conservatives and a pariah to social justice advocates.

Roseanne Barr

Comedian Roseanne Barr has expressed deep skepticism regarding the Black Lives Matter movement and its intentions. Following her dismissal from the ‘Roseanne’ revival due to a racially charged tweet, she became increasingly vocal against what she terms “woke” culture. Barr has suggested that the movement is manipulated by external political forces to destabilize the country. She frequently uses her social media presence to share conspiracy theories that attempt to discredit the organization’s leadership.

Kevin Sorbo

Actor Kevin Sorbo, known for his role in ‘Hercules: The Legendary Journeys’, is a frequent critic of social justice movements including BLM. He often posts statistics and commentary suggesting that the media exaggerates the threat police pose to black Americans. Sorbo advocates for the ‘All Lives Matter’ perspective and argues that the focus should be on personal responsibility rather than systemic blame. His social media feed serves as a constant stream of opposition to progressive narratives regarding race and policing.

Dean Cain

Dean Cain, best known for playing Superman in ‘Lois & Clark’, is a vocal supporter of law enforcement and a critic of anti-police rhetoric. He has appeared on news programs to argue that the demonization of police officers by the Black Lives Matter movement is dangerous and unfounded. Cain often wears legitimate police memorabilia to show his solidarity with the ‘Blue Lives Matter’ cause. He contends that the movement overlooks the bravery of officers and focuses unfairly on outlier incidents.

Stacey Dash

Actress and former ‘Clueless’ star Stacey Dash has publicly called for the abolition of Black History Month and the BET Awards, arguing that they perpetuate segregation. She has criticized the Black Lives Matter movement for creating a divide rather than fostering integration. Dash argues that focusing on racial identity is counterproductive and that Americans should identify solely as Americans. Her comments have led to significant estrangement from the black entertainment community.

Jon Voight

Academy Award-winning actor Jon Voight is a staunch conservative who has denounced the Black Lives Matter protests as detrimental to the country. He has released video statements warning that the movement is being used to dismantle the American way of life. Voight staunchly supports the police and has accused the left of inciting violence through racial grievances. His political alignment with Donald Trump has further cemented his opposition to the movement’s goals.

Charles Barkley

NBA legend and commentator Charles Barkley has offered a nuanced but critical perspective on the Black Lives Matter movement. He famously criticized the “defund the police” slogan: calling it a mistake that would harm black communities the most. Barkley has also expressed frustration with the looting and rioting that accompanied some protests, arguing that it detracted from the message. While acknowledging racism exists, he often urges the black community to look inward at issues of crime and education.

Shaquille O’Neal

Similar to his colleague Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal has expressed disagreement with the “defund the police” rhetoric associated with BLM. As a deputized reserve officer in various jurisdictions, O’Neal has defended the importance of law enforcement in society. He has stated that while bad police officers exist, the majority are doing their jobs correctly and deserve respect. O’Neal advocates for better training and community policing rather than the dismantling of police departments.

Candace Owens

Although primarily a political commentator, Candace Owens has reached celebrity status and is perhaps the most fierce critic of BLM in the public eye. She famously wore a ‘White Lives Matter’ shirt alongside Kanye West and produced a documentary aimed at exposing alleged corruption within the BLM organization. Owens argues that the movement is a fraudulent scheme that manipulates black emotion for financial gain. She frequently debates celebrities and activists, challenging the narrative of systemic police racism.

Kristy Swanson

The original ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ actress Kristy Swanson is an outspoken supporter of the ‘Blue Lives Matter’ counter-movement. She frequently uses her platform to defend police officers and criticize the narratives pushed by BLM activists. Swanson alleges that the entertainment industry blacklists conservatives who do not conform to progressive views on race. She remains a steadfast advocate for law enforcement and often engages with detractors on social media.

Isaiah Washington

Actor Isaiah Washington, formerly of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, has encouraged African Americans to walk away from the Democratic party and the Black Lives Matter movement. He has criticized the movement for not tangibly improving the lives of black people and for being co-opted by white liberals. Washington hosts a travel cooking show that explores conservative values, and he frequently argues for self-reliance over protest. He views the BLM organization as ineffective and politically compromised.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné faced criticism for comments that appeared to align with the ‘All Lives Matter’ sentiment during her time on ‘The View’. She generated controversy by agreeing with a guest who used the phrase, stating that she believes in love for all people regardless of race. While she has advocated for civil rights, her rejection of labels—including stating she is not an “African American”—has put her at odds with the specific focus of the BLM movement. Critics argued her “colorblind” approach dismissed the unique struggles addressed by BLM.

A$AP Rocky

Rapper A$AP Rocky faced a wave of criticism after a 2015 interview resurfaced where he distanced himself from Ferguson protests. He stated that he could not relate to the struggles in Ferguson because he lived in Soho and Beverly Hills, asking why he should feel forced to address issues that didn’t directly affect him at that moment. The comments were viewed as insensitive and elitist by many in the hip-hop community. He later claimed his words were taken out of context, but the “All Lives Matter” undertone of his initial remarks lingered.

Ray Lewis

Former NFL star Ray Lewis has urged people to drop the “Black” from Black Lives Matter and focus on “All Lives Matter” instead. He has argued that the movement ignores black-on-black crime: a common critique from conservative opponents. Lewis emphasizes spiritual solutions and community responsibility over political protest against the police. His stance has drawn criticism from activists who believe he is deflecting from the issue of state-sanctioned violence.

Fantasia Barrino

Singer Fantasia Barrino performed a concert under the banner of “All Lives Matter” during a period of high racial tension. She told her audience that she did not want to separate people by race and emphasized Christian unity over specific racial advocacy. The move was criticized by fans who felt it diluted the necessary focus on anti-black racism. Fantasia defended her choice by stating that her message was one of universal love and inclusion.

Christina Milian

Singer and actress Christina Milian found herself in hot water after tweeting the hashtag #AllLivesMatter. She attempted to defend the statement by saying she was not discrediting Black Lives Matter but wanted to include everyone in the conversation. The immediate backlash forced her to engage in a debate with fans who explained why the phrase was harmful. She eventually deleted the tweet but maintained that her intentions were to promote unity.

Fetty Wap

Rapper Fetty Wap tweeted “All Lives Matter” and initially defended the stance by saying his children were mixed-race. He argued that he could not separate the value of lives based on color because of his own diverse family. The backlash was swift, with fans educating him on why the phrase was used to silence black grievances. Fetty Wap eventually apologized, admitting he did not fully understand the political context of the slogan.

Apryl Jones

Reality TV star Apryl Jones tweeted that “All Lives Matter” while stating she was not against her own people. She argued for a colorblind approach to humanity: saying she loved all races equally. Jones faced significant criticism from ‘Love & Hip Hop’ fans who felt she was being willfully ignorant of current events. She engaged in several arguments on social media before attempting to clarify her position.

Morrissey

British singer Morrissey has alienated many fans with his far-right political shifts and criticisms of modern social justice movements. He has expressed support for a far-right anti-Islam party in the UK and has dismissed charges of racism as meaningless. His commentary often frames multiculturalism and identity politics as destructive forces. Morrissey’s refusal to align with progressive causes includes a rejection of the principles central to Black Lives Matter.

John Lydon

John Lydon, the former lead singer of the Sex Pistols, has openly supported Donald Trump and criticized left-wing politics. He has notably donned a MAGA shirt and expressed disdain for what he considers the intellectual conformity of the left. Lydon argues that the working class is being ignored by “woke” activists who prioritize identity politics. His views place him in direct opposition to the systemic critiques offered by BLM.

Gina Carano

Actress Gina Carano was fired from ‘The Mandalorian’ following a series of social media posts that mocked liberal social movements. While not exclusively focused on BLM, she mocked the practice of putting pronouns in bios and shared content critical of the 2020 protests. Her refusal to bow to pressure from activists led to her becoming a figurehead for those opposing “cancel culture.” Carano has since partnered with conservative media outlets that actively oppose the Black Lives Matter narrative.

Sam Sorbo

Actress and radio host Sam Sorbo, wife of Kevin Sorbo, is an active critic of the Black Lives Matter organization. She frequently discusses the “Marxist roots” of the movement and claims it is designed to destroy the nuclear family. Sorbo uses her platform to promote conservative values that emphasize individual liberty over collective social justice. She views the movement as a deceptive political operation rather than a humanitarian one.

Scott Baio

Actor Scott Baio is a fervent supporter of Donald Trump and a vocal critic of liberal activism. He has used his social media accounts to question the narratives surrounding police shootings and to support law enforcement. Baio argues that the entertainment industry unfairly ostracizes conservatives who do not support movements like BLM. His commentary focuses on what he perceives as the hypocrisy of Hollywood elites supporting the movement.

Clint Eastwood

Director and actor Clint Eastwood has long expressed disdain for what he calls the “pussy generation” of political correctness. While he has not frequently addressed BLM by name, his public comments consistently undermine the movement’s focus on sensitivity and systemic bias. He has voiced support for “stop and frisk” policies and generally aligns with a law-and-order perspective. Eastwood’s libertarian-leaning conservatism rejects the collective guilt narratives often employed by social justice activists.

Vince Vaughn

Vince Vaughn is one of the few open libertarians in Hollywood and has faced criticism for his cordial behavior toward Donald Trump. During the height of the protests, he was criticized for not issuing public statements of support for BLM, maintaining his usual silence on social issues. However, his past comments opposing affirmative action and his support for strict individualism place him ideologically apart from the movement. Vaughn focuses on personal responsibility and limited government rather than social justice activism.

Stephen A. Smith

ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith has frequently clashed with the specific methods of the Black Lives Matter movement and activists like Colin Kaepernick. He has argued that certain forms of protest are ineffective or counterproductive to the ultimate goal. Smith has also criticized the “defund the police” movement as a slogan that alienates potential allies. While he acknowledges racism, his critiques of the movement’s strategy have drawn sharp rebukes from other black public figures.

Piers Morgan

Broadcaster Piers Morgan was a relentless critic of the 2020 protests: specifically the toppling of statues and the violence that occurred in some cities. He famously stormed off the set of ‘Good Morning Britain’ after being challenged on his views regarding Meghan Markle, which were intertwined with discussions on race. Morgan argues that the “woke” mob uses bullying tactics to silence dissent. He maintains that ‘All Lives Matter’ is a logical sentiment and that the BLM organization is too radical.

Sharon Osbourne

Sharon Osbourne faced intense scrutiny and eventually left ‘The Talk’ after defending Piers Morgan’s right to his opinions on race and Meghan Markle. During the on-air confrontation, she demanded to know how Morgan was being racist and expressed fear that she was being labeled a racist by association. Her defense of a vocal BLM critic was seen by many as a refusal to understand the movement’s concerns. Osbourne has since criticized the “cancel culture” that she feels targeted her.

Bill O’Reilly

Former Fox News host Bill O’Reilly has been a longtime critic of the Black Lives Matter movement: labeling it a hate group on multiple occasions. He argues that the movement is based on a false narrative regarding police shootings and that it encourages violence against officers. O’Reilly’s commentary focuses heavily on black-on-black crime statistics as a counter-argument to police brutality claims. He remains a steadfast voice against the movement in independent media.

Tucker Carlson

Although primarily a news host, Tucker Carlson has achieved celebrity status and was the most watched figure in cable news during the height of the BLM protests. He consistently characterized the movement as a tool for corporate power and a threat to Western civilization. Carlson frequently highlighted riots and looting to frame the entire movement as criminal. His monologues provided the primary talking points for millions of Americans who oppose the movement.

Megyn Kelly

Megyn Kelly has used her podcast to offer a platform to critics of the Black Lives Matter movement. She frequently argues that the media suppresses facts that contradict the BLM narrative: such as the criminal histories of some police shooting victims. Kelly contends that the movement has created a culture of fear where people are afraid to speak the truth about crime and policing. Her content appeals to those who feel the movement has gone too far.

Kellan Lutz

‘Twilight’ actor Kellan Lutz tweeted #AllLivesMatter in response to the social unrest: asking if we could not just love one another. When faced with backlash, he initially doubled down by stating that he did not understand why included everyone was a problem. Unlike many others, he did not immediately issue a groveling apology, though he later engaged in dialogue. His comments were cited as an example of celebrity tone-deafness during the crisis.

Hartley Sawyer

Actor Hartley Sawyer was fired from the TV show ‘The Flash’ after racist and misogynistic tweets from his past resurfaced during the height of the BLM protests. While the tweets were older, his dismissal was a direct result of the industry’s “zero tolerance” atmosphere inspired by the movement. Sawyer issued an apology, but the production studio stated that his past remarks were antithetical to their values. His firing served as a warning to other actors about the longevity of digital footprints.

Do you think these celebrities have a point, or are they on the wrong side of history? Share your thoughts in the comments.