Billy Bob Thornton, now in his seventies, openly criticized the increasing trend of actors delivering political speeches. Speaking on The Joe Rogan Experience, Thornton shared his frustration with entertainers who use their platforms to discuss politics, reflecting his growing Billy Bob Thornton political frustration. He questioned the wisdom of following political commentary from musicians or actors without deep knowledge of the issues involved.
It’s like Ricky Gervais said, ‘Look, come up here, accept your little award, and f— off,’
Thornton said.
First of all, unless you’ve really studied stuff and know about a subject fully, who the hell would want to listen to a musician or an actor talk about politics? It’s like, ‘Are we supposed to follow this? If we are, what if they lead you down the wrong road?’
The Widespread Presence of Political Messaging in Everyday Life
Thornton pointed out that political messages have become impossible to avoid, saturating everything from social media feeds to television and even billboards along freeways. This constant barrage has sparked frustration, particularly as actors increasingly join the political discourse, blurring the lines between entertainment and political debate.
Thornton Critiques the Deepening Political Divides Across Society
The actor also addressed the widening gap political topics have created throughout the country and beyond. During his conversation with Joe Rogan, Thornton expressed disappointment over how polarized society has become as a result of political tensions.
And politically, I call myself a radical moderate,
Thornton said.
I’m very strong in my opinions. But, my opinions don’t belong to any political party. I just look at what makes sense. And I think we need a common sense party in this country. That’s actually what we need.
Work on ‘Landman’ and Claims of Political Intent
At the same time as making these remarks, Thornton is involved in producing a show titled Landman, which centers on the challenges faced by workers in the West Texas oil industry. Despite accusations that the series carries a political agenda, Thornton has refuted those claims, emphasizing that its focus lies elsewhere.
Implications of Thornton’s Commentary on Political Speech in Entertainment
Billy Bob Thornton’s outspoken views highlight a growing discomfort with celebrity activism in political matters, especially when commentary lacks depth or expertise. His call for a ‘common sense party’ signals a desire for pragmatic, less partisan approaches amid increasing societal polarization. As political discussions continue to infiltrate entertainment, Thornton’s remarks may encourage audiences to scrutinize the perspectives they follow more carefully and seek balanced viewpoints.
Billy Bob Thornton speaks to the ATX TV FEST audience about the politics of @landmanpplus pic.twitter.com/UGxFpNQibQ
— Hayden (@HaydenPlus1) June 3, 2025
