Robert Downey, Jr., defended fellow Avenger actor Chris Pratt on social media this week after Twitter users attacked Pratt for his assumed political and theological beliefs.
According to CBN News, after missing a virtual fundraiser for Joe Biden, TV writer Amy Berg called Pratt out on Twitter. She posted a picture of Pratt with three other pictures of fellow Chrises—Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, and Chris Pine—with the caption “One has to go.” The post, which was intended as a light-hearted joke, snowballed into harsh backlash against the Guardians of the Galaxy star.
One has to go. pic.twitter.com/HUWnbQOA43
— Amy Berg (@bergopolis) October 17, 2020
Twitter users called Pratt a “conservative Trumper,” a “Bible pusher,” and the “worst Chris,” according to CBN.
His wife, Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt, came to his defense quickly, saying that “being mean is so yesterday. There’s enough room to love all these guys. Love is what we all need not meanness and bullying. Let’s try that.”
Fellow Marvel actors followed in response, including Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo and Zoe Saldana. Director James Gun also came to Pratt’s defense.
“What a world…The ‘sinless’ are casting stones at my #brother, Chris Pratt …” Downey said referring to John 8:7. “A real #Christian who lives by #principle, has never demonstrated anything but #positivity and #gratitude … 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 …”
Ruffalo, who plays the Hulk in the Avengers franchise and vocally supports Biden, came to Pratt’s side, as well.
“I know [Pratt] personally, and instead of casting aspersions, look at how he lives his life,” Ruffalo tweeted. “He is just not overtly political as a rule.”
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.
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) October 20, 2020
Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn tweeted, “Please stop assuming what he believes, politically or in any other way, because he’s a Christian.”
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. https://t.co/XSIgU9WemX
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) October 20, 2020
And, Guardians co-star Zoe Saldana encouraged Pratt to “keep your head up.”
No matter how hard it gets, stick your chest out, keep your head up and handle it.
-Tupac
You got this @prattprattpratt . Your family, friends, colleagues & everyone who’s ever crossed paths with you knows your heart and your worth!— Zoe Saldana (@zoesaldana) October 21, 2020
Berg, who originally made the tweet that started it all, discouraged “hate-filled” comments from both sides, as well.
According to Forbes Magazine, some fans have long felt uncomfortable with Chris’ religious beliefs, specifically his support of the church Hillsong because of their LGBTQ views.
Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Christopher Polk/Staff
Mikaela Mathews is a freelance writer and editor based in Dallas, TX. She was the editor of a local magazine and a contributing writer for the Galveston Daily News and Spirit Magazine.
