Jamie Lee Curtis and several prominent celebrities expressed their outrage and concern following the surprising results of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, which saw Donald Trump defeating Kamala Harris. With ballots cast on Election Day, November 5, 2024, Trump’s victory, which was announced by the Associated Press, sent shockwaves across the nation, prompting Curtis and others to use social media as their platform for response.
On her Instagram, Curtis, who has long been voice for social justice and advocacy for marginalized groups, urged her followers to "wake up and fight" after the election ended with Trump as the first U.S. president to be convicted on felony charges. "Many will be stunned and sad with the terrible feelings of the loss. That is the same result regardless of who wins because that's what America and democracy looks like," she wrote, expressing her belief in the tenets of democracy even amid disappointment.
Highlighting her concern over the future, Curtis continued with, "We know many minority groups and young people will be afraid. Gay and trans people will be more afraid. We know many women will now find it difficult to get the reproductive healthcare they need and deserve." This raised alarm about the potential impacts of a second Trump presidency on already vulnerable communities.
With fear swirling around the impending changes, Curtis called for resilience and action: "But what it really means is we wake up and fight. Fight for women and our children and their futures and fight against tyranny, one day at a time. That's what it means to be an American. That's what it has always meant and will always mean regardless of the outcome." Her call to resist and remain vigilant captured the mood of many who felt threatened by the election results.
Ariana Grande, another high-profile celebrity, echoed sentiments of solidarity, posting on her Instagram Story, "Holding the hand of every person who is feeling the immeasurable heaviness of this outcome today." This message of connection aimed to comfort those feeling the emotional fallout from the election.
Further adding to the chorus of disappointment, rapper Cardi B's response encapsulated frustration: "I hate yall bad." Similarly, Billie Eilish remarked on Instagram, stating the results felt like "a war on women," emphasizing the perceived dangers for women's rights moving forward.
Viola Davis shared gratitude for Harris’s bravery, reminding followers of the collective fight needed to uphold democratic values. Amidst the gloom, her appreciation showcased the camaraderie among those advocating for change. Glee actor Kevin McHale also expressed his dismay, tweeting, "Sorry rest of the world," as he predicted dire consequences of the election results, citing the trends toward ultra-conservative ideologies.
Ana Navarro of "The View" reacted with somber acceptance, reflecting on her campaigning for Harris. She expressed, "I am at peace. I have no regrets. I did everything I could to support a qualified, decent woman… It’s okay to be down today. Tomorrow, we stand up." This clear message of perseverance highlighted the importance of accepting democratic decisions, albeit reluctantly.
Other stars, including drag queens from "RuPaul's Drag Race," voiced their disappointment over the election results, with winners Shea Couleé and Trinity The Tuck using social media to voice outrage and encourage disassociation from Trump supporters through emotional appeals. Trinity stated, "Im literally disgusted. You failed women. You failed queer people… You are not the type of person I want in my life," expressing fierce accountability for those who enabled divisive politics.
Beyond celebrity outrage, the responses from public figures and cultural icons painted a vivid picture of concern surrounding civil liberties and rights. With Trump securing 277 electoral votes and potentially also winning the popular vote, the electoral system's mechanics were thrust back under scrutiny, accentuated by Curtis’s insistence on continued activism.
Comedian Jon Stewart provided some levity amid the mood when he remarked, "This isn't the end, I promise you. This is not the end. And we have to regroup… for our children, for this world, for this country —that we know is possible. It's possible." His sentiment aligned with Curtis's reflections on perseverance and the enduring fight for justice, regardless of electoral outcomes.
The reactions from the arts and entertainment industry reveal both the emotional turmoil and the solidarity present at this pivotal moment. Curtis and her contemporaries are not merely idle bystanders; they represent the voices of many Americans motivated to push back against what they view as alarming political trends. The need to keep the fight alive, as conveyed by Curtis, stands as both their rallying cry and their resolve moving forward.
