Jon Voight, the celebrated actor known for his compelling performances in films like Midnight Cowboy and Coming Home, has recently made waves in the entertainment world with a bold decision to reject a $20 million offer to star in an NFL commercial alongside Robert De Niro. In a statement that has drawn both praise and criticism, Voight declared that he would “never work with a woke creep,” a clear reference to his disapproval of the growing influence of “woke” culture in Hollywood and beyond.
The proposed ad campaign, which would have paired Voight and De Niro—two of Hollywood’s most respected actors—was seen as a lucrative opportunity for both the NFL and the stars involved. However, Voight’s refusal to participate in the project highlights a widening rift in the entertainment industry over political correctness, social justice movements, and what some see as the “woke” agenda.
Voight, a staunch conservative, has been vocal in his opposition to what he perceives as the overreach of progressive ideals in both Hollywood and American society at large. His decision to reject the NFL ad comes on the heels of a series of public statements in which he criticized the growing dominance of progressive politics in the entertainment industry. According to sources close to Voight, his primary issue with the commercial was the involvement of De Niro, who has become an outspoken critic of conservative values and has frequently aligned himself with left-wing causes.
While Voight did not elaborate on what specifically about De Niro he found objectionable, his choice of language—referring to De Niro as a “woke creep”—suggests a deep-seated frustration with what he perceives as the Hollywood elite’s embrace of a politically charged, socially conscious agenda. Voight’s rejection of the high-paying ad offer signals his refusal to compromise on his personal beliefs, even if it means turning down a significant financial opportunity.
The term “woke,” which has become a flashpoint in the culture wars, refers to a heightened awareness of social inequalities and a commitment to rectifying injustices, particularly those related to race, gender, and sexual orientation. However, critics like Voight argue that “wokeness” has led to an overemphasis on political correctness, which they believe stifles free expression and creativity. Voight has been a vocal critic of this phenomenon for years, and his latest move only intensifies the ongoing debate about the role of politics in art and advertising.
On the other hand, De Niro, who has long been an advocate for progressive causes, remains steadfast in his commitment to using his platform to promote social change. The two actors have taken divergent paths in recent years, with De Niro becoming one of Hollywood’s most prominent figures in outspoken political activism, particularly against former President Donald Trump and other conservative figures. While their professional paths have rarely crossed in recent years, their ideological divide seems to be more pronounced than ever.
The rejection of the $20 million offer has sparked a wider conversation about the tension between commercial success and personal values in Hollywood. Many have criticized Voight’s decision as a missed opportunity to leverage his star power for a massive paycheck, while others have praised him for standing by his convictions in a time when many feel compelled to conform to dominant cultural trends. Voight’s refusal to collaborate with what he perceives as “woke” influences is a reminder that the political divide within the entertainment industry is far from resolved, and the clash between traditional values and progressive ideals shows no sign of abating.
In the end, Voight’s bold rejection of the NFL commercial is not just a statement about the project itself but a broader commentary on the state of modern Hollywood. As the industry grapples with the ongoing clash between political correctness and artistic freedom, it’s clear that figures like Jon Voight and Robert De Niro represent opposing ends of a rapidly changing landscape—one where the personal beliefs of celebrities may now have a more pronounced impact on their professional decisions than ever before.
