In an unexpected turn of events, renowned actor Richard Gere, famous for iconic films such as Pretty Woman and An Officer and a Gentleman , has decided to leave the United States with his family and settle in Spain. In a recent interview, Gere explained that this seemingly definitive decision is motivated by a number of factors, including his dissatisfaction with the country’s direction and, surprisingly, mentions Elon Musk.

At 74, Richard Gere has openly expressed his disenchantment with the current political and social climate in the United States. According to the actor, extreme polarization, cultural shifts, and what he describes as “a loss of fundamental values” influenced his decision to leave his homeland.

“America is no longer the place it used to be. The essence of community and compassion that once defined this country is gone,” Gere said.

What caught the most attention, however, was his mention of Elon Musk, the tech mogul and CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and now owner of X (formerly Twitter).

Gere suggested that the growing dominance of figures like Musk in American society is part of his frustration. While he didn’t elaborate specifically on which aspects of Musk concern him, the actor mentioned that the outsized influence of tech billionaires in politics, the media, and everyday life is transforming America into an “unrecognizable” place.

“When a single individual can control the public narrative and shape global opinion with a single tweet, it says a lot about the direction the world is heading. I don’t want my children to grow up in a place where corporations and tech moguls have more power than Democratic administrations,” Gere said.

Richard Gere and his wife, Alejandra Silva, who are Spanish, decided to move to a small town in Galicia, a region in northern Spain known for its tranquility and cultural richness. The couple, who share two young children, are seeking a simpler life that is more connected to nature.

“The peace and pace of life in Spain are exactly what my family needs. Here, we can focus on what really matters: family, friends, and community,” Gere said.

Gere’s decision sparked a wave of reactions on social media. While some applauded his bravery and saw him as a symbol of protest against the current state of affairs in the United States, others criticized him for “giving up” instead of working to change the situation.

“It’s easy to run away when you have millions in the bank. What about those who don’t have that option?” one Twitter user commented.

Others, however, supported him: “Richard Gere has always been a man of principle. If he believes this is the best path for him and his family, we should respect that.”

Although Gere hasn’t officially announced his retirement from acting, his move to Spain could represent a step away from the Hollywood spotlight. However, the actor has left open the possibility of working on international projects that align with his values.

Richard Gere has always been known for his activism and strong convictions. His decision to move to Spain reflects his commitment to his family and his principles. Leaving the United States behind, his message resonates as a call to reflect on the future of a country that, for some, seems to be losing its way.