Confusion erupted online after actor Wyatt Russell was reportedly misidentified as the speaker in a viral Los Angeles protest video, drawing widespread attention to the clip and fueling the
“Wyatt Russell mistaken identity at LA protest video”
conversation on social media. The incident unfolded during recent anti-ICE protests in LA, prompting fans and viewers to question the identity of the man who confronted authorities in the footage.
Social Media Uproar Over Protest Video Misidentification
A video circulated on multiple platforms showing a protester passionately addressing armed authorities during anti-ICE demonstrations in Los Angeles, quickly leading many to believe it featured the Thunderbolts actor Wyatt Russell, son of Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. Social media channels amplified the confusion as posts and tweets, including ones by accounts such as Ryan Shead, branded the man in the footage as Russell.
Despite the rapid spread of this claim, representatives for Wyatt Russell clarified to Entertainment Weekly that he was not present at the demonstration, and their team has since worked to correct public misunderstanding about his involvement. These efforts highlight the speed with which misinformation can circulate online, particularly when high-profile names are implicated.
Who Was Really in the Video?
The man shown in the protest footage was later identified as Aaron Fisher, a partner at Statecraft Media, known for supporting progressive political movements. During the protest, Fisher directly confronted officers, expressing concern over their actions and motivations in the wake of the escalating demonstrations.
He can be seen imploring officers about the significance of their actions and responsibilities, stating,
“on the wrong side of history.”
—Aaron Fisher, Partner at Statecraft Media. He continued by urging,
“We know you got a job to do, but you took an oath to the Constitution, not to the fascists in the White House.”
—Aaron Fisher, Partner at Statecraft Media.
Aaron Fisher Addresses the Case of Mistaken Identity
Reflecting on the viral case of swapped identities, Fisher admitted he found the situation “pretty humorous” and expressed satisfaction that the exposure had brought broader attention to the protest’s message. Regarding the deployment of federal forces, he stated,
“The deployment of the National Guard against the wishes of our Governor is dangerously un-American, and I will continue to peacefully protest in my community.”
—Aaron Fisher, Partner at Statecraft Media.
Origins and Escalation of the LA Demonstrations
The anti-ICE protests were sparked by Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in predominantly Latino areas of Los Angeles, including a targeted clothing warehouse downtown. Tensions mounted over the following days, especially after President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of National Guard troops to the city. The ongoing demonstrations became the backdrop for the identity confusion involving the well-known Hollywood family, including Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, with many viewers and fans keenly following events as they spread across digital platforms.
This high-profile mix-up and the rapid amplification of misinformation demonstrate the volatile intersection of celebrity culture, activism, and social media, raising questions about digital accountability and the challenges of distinguishing fact from fiction in real time.
