Celebrities shouldn’t be forced to give political endorsements

The modern “celebrity” and their politics have never been more accessible. Fans have direct communication to engage with superstar performers and athletes daily. Now as younger generations, particularly Generation Z, turn to social media for information about politics and pop culture, their favorite celebrities’ political alignment has become a source of gossip, news and campaign clout.

Celebrities are entitled to their political opinions just like anyone else and it’s their right to use their platforms to elevate or criticize policy and political figures — many do. But people, fans and media should stop baiting them into giving political endorsements. Celebrity endorsements are mostly meaningless in terms of affecting voter participation, while also alienating populations and oftentimes delivering incomplete or inaccurate information.