Justine Bateman Feels ‘Relief’ After Trump's Victory Amid Friend Backlash Over Political Views
Justine Bateman has publicly criticized the Biden administration, describing the past four years as "suffocating" and "un-American." Following her statements, she faced backlash from friends and acquaintances, with some distancing themselves from her online. Despite the fallout, Bateman expressed relief at the political shift and emphasized the importance of free speech in the wake of what she perceives as the end of a "woke era."
Justine Bateman, the star of Family Ties, has recently disclosed that several close friends have distanced themselves from her due to her political views and criticism of the Biden administration. In a candid social media post, Bateman expressed her sentiments about the past four years, marking it as an "almost intolerable period."
Justine Bateman's Political Stance and Personal Revelations
The 58-year-old actress, known for her role as Mallory Keaton on the beloved sitcom Family Ties, shared her thoughts on X shortly after Donald Trump was officially declared the Republican nominee for the next presidential term. Bateman articulated feelings of relief after the election results, stating that she felt "physically" at ease for the first time in years and described the last four years under Biden as "suffocating." She criticized what she termed a "un-American period," claiming that only specific behaviors and speech were acceptable in societal discourse.
Reactions from Friends and Social Media
In her detailed social media post, Bateman lamented the "complete intolerance" she observed in recent years, noting that many who expressed differing views faced social and professional repercussions. She highlighted the impact of social media, where individuals who voiced alternative opinions were often publicly shamed. Following her posts, Bateman noted that some friends felt compelled to unfollow her, leading to heartbreaking conversations where they stated they could no longer engage with her online due to her views.
Reflection on the Election and Free Speech
Describing her experience during the election night in Washington D.C., Bateman revealed feeling a sudden sense of relief as Trump secured victories in pivotal states. She expressed gratitude for the perceived end of the "woke era," asserting that the environment of suppressing questions and discussions was dissipating. While Bateman openly favored Trump, she expressed that she would not disclose her specific voting decision, emphasizing the importance of free speech and a shift she has spiritually sensed in society.
Career and Personal Philosophy
Bateman has been a familiar face since the 1980s, not only for her role in Family Ties but also for her work in various series and films, including Californication and Desperate Housewives. Transitioning into directing, she made her feature debut with Violet in 2021. Throughout her career, she has advocated for embracing individuality and rejecting conventional beauty standards, notably discussing her view that her aging process represents her identity authentically. In a past interview, she voiced her indifference to societal pressures regarding appearance, affirming, "I think I look rad."
