Eva Longoria is making headlines for clarifying her reasons for leaving the United States, countering recent interpretations of her comments about her life abroad. The former Desperate Housewives star has been living part-time between Spain and Mexico since before Donald Trump’s most recent election win.
Addressing speculation during her surprise call to The View’s Ana Navarro, Longoria insisted, “Will you please let them know I didn’t move out of the United States because of Trump? I’ve been in Europe for almost three years,” as she interrupted Navarro, who had shared thoughts on her recent relocation during the podcast.
The actress was prompted to clarify her statements after releasing her recent conversation with Marie Claire, where she expressed concern over the American political climate, labeling it as “dystopian.” Longoria’s comments about the challenges facing Americans under Trump’s leadership have been echoed by many, adding fuel to the questions of why she moved.
“Before the pandemic, the vibe was different,” Longoria shared during her interview with Marie Claire. "Whether it’s the homelessness or the taxes, it just feels like this chapter of my life is done now," she said. Despite expressing feelings of privilege for being able to leave the country, she remarked, “Most Americans aren’t so lucky. They’re going to be stuck in this dystopian country, and my anxiety and sadness is for them.”
Longoria emphasized her pride for being American, stating, “I’m privileged. I get to escape and go somewhere. But I didn’t leave because of the political environment. I left because my work took me there.” This clarification was her way of combating what she viewed as the “clickbait” nature of media coverage, which she felt twisted her words to create division.
She explained how being away from the 24-hour news cycles placed her and her family "in a bit of a bubble for sure," allowing them to find peace during turbulent times.
The actress and her family, including her husband, José Bastón, and their son, Santiago, have spent years working on projects across Europe and Mexico. Longoria herself has been committed to film and television projects, including her upcoming series Searching for Spain for CNN, as well as her work on Land of Women for Apple TV+.
Her phone call with Navarro serves as another layer of her effort to set the record straight. She has been vocal about her experiences abroad, illustrating tentatively how her life has shifted from Hollywood, where she began her career, to life filled with international experiences influenced mostly by her work commitments.
Longoria's call to clarify her statements didn't just focus on Trump and her move; she also made strong reflections on the state of politics today. She voiced her opinions, emphasizing, “The shocking part is not just he won. It’s the fact he’s a convicted criminal who spews so much hate.” These sentiments reflect her broader discomfort with political dialogues currently shaping America’s identity.
Her statement also brought attention to how people consume media today. Longoria noted how snippets of her interview were taken out of proportion, which she felt only served to create more division during what she believes is already a distressing time. “People just grabbed some clickbait stuff to be divisive, which makes me sad,” she lamented, pushing back against the narrative some outlets built around her words.
Longoria’s life change reflects broader dialogues not just about celebrity influence but also about the emotional toll political discourse has on individuals. Living abroad, she has chosen her surroundings as more than just geographic shifts; they represent her needs for tranquility and creativity in her work environment.
Clearly committed to her crafts and her family, Longoria remains bold about her opinions. Her ability to express her experiences between two cultures highlights her multidisciplinary voice not just as an actor but also as someone educated and aware of the world around her.
Overall, Longoria’s modern-day narrative stands as reflective of many American sentiments, balancing personal privilege with awareness of societal challenges. Despite her relocation, her connection to her roots and the cultural discussions surrounding them persists, enriching her perspective as she continues to impact her audiences through various projects.