Sharon Stone didn’t hold back during her recent appearance at the Torino Film Festival, where she sharply criticized what she sees as widespread ignorance among American voters following Donald Trump’s decisive win in the 2024 presidential election. During the festival, Stone claimed, "My country is in its adolescence. Adolescence is very arrogant. Adolescence thinks it knows everything. Adolescence is naive and ignorant and arrogant." Her remarks resonate deeply following Trump’s win over Kamala Harris, which drew attention due to the surprising voting patterns across the states.
Stone, best known for her roles in Basic Instinct and Casino, used her platform to address issues beyond entertainment, focusing on politics. She connected her thoughts on the election back to the disturbing global trend of increasing far-right leadership, drawing parallels to Italy's historical experience with fascism. She argued, "You know, Italy has seen fascism. Italy has seen these things. You guys, you understand what happens. You have seen this before." Stone's comments highlight concerns about the potential for democratic backsliding and the need for informed voting.
Asked how the largely unexplored issue of violence against women ties to politics, she didn't shy away from pointing fingers. Stone remarked, "Americans who don’t travel, who 80% don’t have a passport, who are uneducated, are in their extraordinary naiveté." This statement elicited cheers from the audience, illustrating how closely they resonate with her critique. Her focus on travel serves as both metaphor and commentary — implying those who don't experience the wider world may not fully understand the stakes involved.
Even before Trump's election, Stone hinted at her dissatisfaction with the direction of the country. Back during the summer leading up to the election, she expressed, "I am certainly considering a house in Italy. I think that's an intelligent construct at this time. This is one of the first times I've actually seen anyone running for office on a platform of hate and oppression." Her reflections on potentially relocating underline her deep concerns about the political climate.
The election results themselves were closely contested, as Trump secured 312 electoral votes to Harris's 226. Despite the dramatic visuals of Trump’s victory rally, it is widely reported, including by ABC News, the popular vote margin was just 1.6%. This slim victory margin, compared to his previous term, may indicate shifting sentiments across the electorate.
Before the election, discussions of moving abroad were not uncommon among celebrities, many of whom publically voiced their hesitation to remain should Trump regain power. Stone’s comments reflect broader anxieties shared by numerous figures within Hollywood. The actress continued from the festival stage, urging the need for solidarity across gender lines, stating, "We cannot just have women helping women; good men must help good men." This progressive approach advocates for male allies to actively support women, especially amid rising concerns over gender-based violence.
Returning to her criticism of American voters, Stone mused, "What I can say is the only way we can help with these issues is to help each other." This notion of community support dovetails with her larger stance against the perceived ignorance facing the country, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to improve the state of affairs.
Fox News contributor Jeanine Pirro questioned Stone's comments, accusing her of diminishing all Americans by labeling them as ignorant and uneducated. On her show, Pirro stated, "Eighty percent of Americans don’t have a passport, they’re uneducated, they’re uninformed." Pirro's pushback prompted heated discussions about the validity of Stone’s observations and the extent to which they apply to the entire American populace. Stone's statements weren't aimed at all citizens, but rather at those complacent within their bubbles of ignorance, which some critics like Pirro have since misrepresented.
While Stone's critiques may have stirred controversy, they were aimed at encouraging reflection about the current state of political awareness and civic engagement among Americans, particularly with the election of Donald Trump, who has been associated with divisive and often inflammatory rhetoric.
Following the film festival, Stone’s comments are likely to keep circulating within media discussions, perhaps leading to more celebrity reactions and public engagements on the matter. The renewed spotlight on the effectiveness of democracy and the weight of public opinion will undoubtedly shape future conversations across Hollywood and beyond.
Despite the backlash from some circles, her revelatory comments seem to resonate with many others who share her concerns about landslide election results indicative of discontent and desire for change. If anything, Sharon Stone’s candid remarks may inspire other celebrities and influencers to voice their own experiences and perspectives as Americans navigate these tumultuous political waters.
