Why Aren’t More Celebrities Using Their Platforms for Good? A Study in “Good” PR
It’s 2025, and whether we like it or not … celebrities run the cultural world (for the average person.) They’re not just actors, singers, or influencers anymore, they’re brand empires with fanbases that span continents. With a single Instagram story, they can sell out a product in minutes. With one tweet, they can turn a little-known brand into the next billion-dollar unicorn. Their influence is staggering.
So why, when it comes to real issues, war, racism, climate change, political extremism, do so many of them suddenly lose their voices? *cough cough*
The silence is deafening, and it’s not an accident. It’s a PR strategy. One that’s polished, intentional, and frankly, cowardly. Because here’s the truth: for a lot of A-listers, “good PR” means saying nothing at all.
The Age of Media Training: How “Safe” Became the Standard
Celebrities today are more media-trained than ever. Entire teams coach them on what to say, what not to say, and how to smile through even the toughest interviews. The result? A sea of generic, sanitized soundbites.
Think about it: how often do you hear celebs say, “I just want to spread positivity” or “I try to stay out of politics”? It sounds harmless, but it’s calculated. Publicists know that taking a stance risks alienating part of the fanbase. Speaking out against injustice? Risky. Speaking out against a billionaire donor, brand partner, or powerful studio head? Even riskier.
So instead of standing for something, many celebrities choose to stand for nothing at all. Yet, they’re still comfortable cashing checks from partnerships with brands or billionaires who actively contribute to the problems they won’t acknowledge.
Taylor, Kylie, Kim… and the Art of Saying Nothing
Let’s name names.
Taylor Swift, arguably one of the most powerful entertainers alive, built an empire on relatability and carefully crafted vulnerability. Her fans would probably follow her into battle if she asked, but when it comes to issues like Palestine, Trumpism (see also: fascism,) or rising white supremacy, there’s radio silence. Yes, she did speak out politically once during her 2018 Netflix documentary, but since then, she’s retreated to safer ground. For someone who claims to represent empowerment, the silence is telling.
Kylie Jenner, (alleged) billionaire beauty mogul, doesn’t touch political issues with a ten-foot pole. But she’ll happily profit off aesthetics built on cultures she refuses to stand beside when those cultures are under fire. Her Instagram alone has the reach of a small country (okay actually not so small … that’s more than the current Indonesian, Pakistan and U.S. populations,) yet somehow, it’s reserved only for lip kits and perfectly staged photos.
Kim Kardashian, meanwhile, subtly promotes Elon Musk by showcasing Cybertrucks on her show … and let’s not forget her cozy attendance at Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’s wedding. The same Jeff Bezos who’s made billions off worker exploitation and environmental destruction. By showing up, she’s giving the green light that these people are worth aligning with, even if their impact on society is devastating (which isn’t dramatic btw, studies show it literally is.)
Then there’s Sydney Sweeney, basically any Kardashian/Jenner, Alix Earle, and countless others who avoid speaking out entirely, because silence is easier than criticism.
The Cost of Silence
Here’s what’s wild: celebrities know their words have power. They use it every day, to sell products, to hype up their projects and other celebs, to make sure you’re watching their shows or streaming their albums. But when that same power could be used to save lives, condemn violence, or push for justice, suddenly their platforms “aren’t the right place.”
It’s not about not knowing what to say. It’s about money. Speaking out risks losing brand deals, sponsorships, or segments of their fanbase. Let’s be real, most celebs value their billion-dollar empires over taking a moral stance.
But here’s the reality: choosing to stay silent is a choice, an active one … and it’s one that ultimately sides with the oppressor. By refusing to condemn violence, hate, or injustice, celebrities send the message that their wealth and image matters more than human rights.
Celebrities Who Did Care
Here’s the kicker: it wasn’t always like this. In the past, artists like Nina Simone, Muhammad Ali, and even more recent figures like Colin Kaepernick (among others) understood the weight of their platforms. They risked careers, endorsements, and reputations because they believed standing up for justice mattered more than a paycheck.
Today, that courage is in short supply. Instead, we get vague “thoughts and prayers” posts or worse, silence dressed up as neutrality.
Why It Matters
You might be thinking: who cares what a celebrity says? Let’s not kid ourselves, culture shapes politics. Celebrities influence fashion, language, lifestyle, and yes, even how we think about the world, whether we like it or not. If Taylor Swift told her fans tomorrow to call their representatives, millions of calls would flood Capitol Hill. If Kylie Jenner spoke out against the genocide in Gaza, her words would trend worldwide in seconds.
That kind of influence could shift conversations, force headlines, and pressure leaders … but as long as celebrities choose “safe PR” over action, we lose that potential.
So, What Now?
The sad truth? As fans, we have to stop expecting celebrities to be moral compasses. If they’re unwilling to use their platforms for good, then we need to hold them accountable, with our wallets, our attention, and our cultural currency. Stop idolizing silence. Stop rewarding inaction.
More importantly, we need to redirect our energy toward the voices who are speaking out. Activists, grassroots organizations, educators, and yes, even smaller public figures who are brave enough to risk it all for what’s right.
Because clearly, the mega-rich celebrities aren’t going to save us.
At the end of the day, “good PR” shouldn’t mean “say nothing” … but that’s the playbook most celebrities live by. They’ll happily take your money, your streams, your likes, and your attention, but when it comes to standing up for humanity? Don’t hold your breath.
On a personal note, I’d like to take this time to condemn fascism and, of course, genocide in any form. I realize wholeheartedly that the people of Israel are not to blame, rather the actions of governments and government officials going back decades. Jews deserve peace, Muslims deserve peace. Israelis deserve peace, Palestinians deserve peace. I stand with the Palestinian people, and truly believe that from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.
If you’d like to provide aid to those suffering in Palestine, please consider donating to the resources at the link here.
Please check out these other educational resources and donation options here:
Famine in Gaza. Help CARE Provide for Families Now! via CARE
Donate to World Central Kitchen
Emergency Response to Famine Confirmed in Gaza via UNICEF
Palestine Solidarity: Independent Jewish Voices Canada
Anti-Zionism is NOT Antisemitism
Give Today to Support Palestine Refugees via UNRWA
Criticism of Israel’s War and Occupation is Not Anti-Semitism
Help the Palestinian People via ARAB.org
