In a recent Hollywood Reporter interview, Ritchson said he found it odd that many Christians back Trump. He noted that such support clashes with the teachings of Jesus.
“Christians today have become the most vitriolic tribe,” Ritchson said, identifying himself as a follower of Jesus. He added that this behavior opposes what Jesus called his followers to do.
Ritchson then delivered a blunt assessment of the president. “Trump is a rapist and a con-man,” he said. He said it felt surreal to see the church elevate Trump as its poster child.
“Trump is a rapist and a con man” has to be said by the star of Reacher because mainstream news outlets won’t do their jobs and say this truth every day and every night on their newscasts and publications.
— Frank Conniff (@FrankConniff) April 13, 2024
I don’t watch Reacher, and I’d never heard of Alan Ritchson before today, but what a beautiful takdown of Trump:
“Trump is a rapist and a con man, and yet the entire Christian church seems to treat him like he’s their poster child, and it’s unreal. I don’t understand it.”
— Brian O’Sullivan (@osullivanauthor) April 11, 2024
For several days these remarks flew under the radar among conservative viewers of Amazon’s Reacher. That changed when Trump adviser Sebastian Gorka addressed them on his radio show.
On America First, Gorka spent over five minutes attacking Ritchson. He told the actor to “shut your pie hole” on political matters and to stick to acting.
Gorka accused Ritchson of mixing politics with entertainment. He argued the star had no business criticizing a political figure from outside official circles or policy debates.
Many conservative fans expressed outrage online. Some vowed to boycott Reacher in response. They cited their admiration for Trump and dismay at Ritchson’s remarks.
On social media, one user wrote that Ritchson had disrespected millions of Americans who continue to support Trump. Another tagged Amazon and urged viewers to cancel their subscriptions.
Yet a sizable group applauded Ritchson’s candor. They praised the actor for speaking his mind, even at the risk of losing fans or work opportunities.
Reacher, based on Lee Child’s bestselling Jack Reacher novels, follows an ex-Army investigator who drifts across America. Its blend of action and mystery earned it wide appeal.
Amazon reported that the show’s second season debuted at number two on Nielsen’s overall streaming charts last December. It logged 1.2 billion viewing minutes in its opening week.
The series won praise for its faithful adaptation of the books and Ritchson’s physical performance. Fans cited the star’s commitment to doing his own stunts.
Industry analysts say Reacher’s success underscores Amazon’s growing strength in original series. The show helps the streaming service compete with long-running franchises on rival platforms.
This controversy rises as Hollywood stars increasingly voice political opinions. Some face boycotts or backlash, while others gain support for taking stands on public issues.
Ritchson himself has left open the possibility of future political comments. He said he feels a responsibility to speak out when public figures conflict with his faith.
Amazon has not commented on the backlash or any impact on viewership. The streaming giant typically avoids public discussion of political disputes involving its talent.
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As debate continues, Reacher remains available for streaming. Viewers may judge whether an actor’s opinions influence their viewing choices.
Regardless of the fallout, Ritchson’s remarks have spotlighted tensions between celebrity activism and fan loyalty. The episode may foreshadow other clashes in the divided media landscape.
