Part 5/9:
The spectacle was amplified by the media’s portrayal of these interactions. For instance, footage of Trump shaking hands with Joe Rogan or greeting Guy Fieri became focal points for critics insisting that such displays normalize or endorse toxic politics. The outrage extended to backstage moments, where Mel Gibson was seen backstage at the UFC event, and other celebrities showed their support or neutrality.
The Broader Cultural Context
This controversy is emblematic of a broader cultural phenomenon: the stigmatization of conservative or Trump-supporting figures within Hollywood. Several stars, such as Gina Carano, have faced professional and personal repercussions for expressing conservative views or simply for being deemed insufficiently liberal.