Stars of the “Avengers” films rushed to Chris Pratt’s side in the ongoing controversy surrounding his political and religious views.
Flashback:
Social media backlash against Pratt began after the “Guardians of the Galaxy” star was deemed Hollywood’s “worst Chris.”
The incident began with a meme about eliminating one of the major actors named Chris in Hollywood. Chris Pratt was jokingly chosen. Then, Twitter began a major backlash as his religious and political views came into the spotlight, according to the Deseret News.
He also didn’t attend a recent fundraiser for Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden with the “Avengers” cast, prompting people to wonder if Pratt supported President Donald Trump. Critics also slammed Pratt for his Christian faith and his conservative church.
- “Chris Pratt because he’s MAGA. He’s the worst Chris,” one Twitter user wrote.
Robert Downey Jr. — another “Avengers” star — was not called out for missing it.
What’s happening now:
“Avengers” stars such as Downey, Zoe Saldana, Mark Ruffalo and James Gunn spoke out in support of Pratt.
Downey. wrote on Instagram:
- “What a world… The ‘sinless’ are casting stones at my brother, Chris Pratt… A real Christian who lives by principle, has never demonstrated anything but positivity and gratitude…AND he just married into a family that makes space for civil discourse and (just plain fact) INSISTS on service as the highest value. If you take issue with Chris… I’ve got a novel idea. Delete your social media accounts, sit with your OWN defects of character, work on THEM, then celebrate your humanness…”
“Guardians of the Galaxy” star Zoe Saldana tweeted a Tupac quote to support Pratt.
- “No matter how hard it gets, stick your chest out, keep your head up and handle it. -Tupac.” She added, “You got this @prattprattpratt Your family, friends, colleagues & everyone who’s ever crossed paths with you knows your heart and your worth!”
Mark Ruffalo tweeted a message to Pratt, too.
- “You all, @prattprattpratt is as solid a man there is. I know him personally, and instead of casting aspersions, look at how he lives his life. He is just not overtly political as a rule. This is a distraction. Let’s keep our eyes on the prize, friends. We are so close now.”
And Gunn — who directed the “Guardians of the Galaxy” films — spoke in support of Pratt.
- “Sorry. Just finding out about this nonsense. @prattprattpratt is the best dude in the world. I’ve spent hours & hours sharing my deepest truths with this man, as he has with me. Please stop assuming what he believes, politically or in any other way, because he’s a Christian.”
Pratt has issued no response yet to the controversy,
Correction: This article previously said Robert Downey Jr. did not attend the event. He did attend the fundraiser. He made a surprise appearance at the event.