Actor Martin Sheen has endured hate mail and calls for his sacking over his high profile anti-war stance. But his TV role as the American president in NBC's The West Wing is nothing to do with his championing the anti-war cause or promotion of the "virtual march" against the war, say executives.
The website Citizens Against Celebrity Pundits accuses stars of abusing their status and fame to put over an anti-war message.
Are famous personalities abusing their position by promoting political beliefs? Or is it a good use of celebrity to influence public opinion?
This debate is now closed. Read your comments below.
Your reaction:
 The massive response to this debate proves, rightly or wrongly, that it does matter what celebrities say.  |
The massive response to this debate proves, rightly or wrongly, that it does matter what celebrities say. Whether their comments should matter is another subject. As others have pointed out, just make up your own mind - ignore or applaud them as you see fit.
P Williams, UK When I want to hear views on Iraq, I think it better to listen to those of the thousands of Iraqi refugees exiled in the country, than some bloke who is famous for starring in movies. Acting is no qualification for international politics. Considering the behaviour of much of Hollywood, who are they to moralize to anyone else?
Chris, UK
No. I do not elect politicians to perform opera or stand-up comedy. I do not believe the political views of "stars" to be any more informed or important than those of any other "man in the street". Indeed, I find the inference that we should pay more attention to them offensive.
Bryan Naylor, UK
It is our voice that isn't being heard Holly Rance, Bangkok Thailand (16 years old) |
No they shouldn't. Their opinion is no more important than the rest of us. The war will affect all of us not just the famous. I think it is much more important to hear what the children have to say about the war. It is our voice that isn't being heard. Does no one care about the effect this will have on us? Why does it all depend on a small group of people who won't have to fight in this war. It seems to me that the world is not a safe place to be growing up in.
Holly Rance, Bangkok Thailand (16 years old) Celebrities are usually just as misinformed as the general public because most of the information they receive is via the media. I don't know too many "stars" that sit in classified briefs, or sit on defence committees and know the facts. Didn't Jane Fonda end up with egg on her face back in the last 60's? Their opinions are just as valid as anybody else's, but not necessarily the most informed.
Brian T, Germany
If a person (whatever his/her occupation) is not able to express an opinion for fear of losing his livelihood, then it would appear that our people as shackled and downtrodden as the Iraqi people.
Christine Donnelly, UK
Presumably the people on this page complaining about uneducated and ill-informed celebrities won't be doing anything for Comic Relief on Friday - after all, that was just a result of a group of celebrities seeing something on TV and forming an opinion.
Pete, UK
If celebrities had taken a pro war stance would anyone be concerned? |
If Mr.Sheen and the other "stars" had taken a PRO war stance, would anyone be concerned that they were abusing their celebrity status? Free speech works both ways; I'd have thought the Americans especially would have understood that.
Simon Moore, EU I do not elect politicians to perform opera or stand-up comedy. I do not believe the political views of 'stars' to be any more informed or important than those of any other 'man in the street'. Indeed, I find the inference that we should pay more attention to them offensive.
Bryan Naylor, UK
If a person (whatever his/her occupation) is not able to express an opinion for fear of losing his livelihood, then it would appear that our people as shackled and downtrodden as the Iraqi.
Christine Donnelly, UK
No one in their right mind wants a war but politicians have access to information most of us do not. We have voted for them, we have to trust they have their own people's best interests at heart. Celebrities should do what they do best and support and entertain the military personnel, the majority of which probably don't want to go to war either.
Louise Ng, Malaysia
They have as much right to speak as anyone else. At the moment they seem to be fairly representative of the views of the public.
Sarah, uk
When I want to hear views on Iraq, I think it better to listen to those of the thousands of Iraqi refugees exiled in the country, than some bloke who is famous for starring in movies. Considering the behaviour of much of Hollywood, who are they to moralize to anyone else?
Chris, UK
Mr. Sheen has an opinion and the guts to show it to the world. This humanism will adorn the cr�me of the American people.
Baudouin, Belgium
Famous personalities don't abuse their position by stating their political beliefs. Last time I checked people here are entitled to freedom of speech. As for Mr. Sheen, I'm sure that he knew he would be getting some very "vocal" responses. And he's probably getting as many "atta boy" letters as he is hate mail.
Sherry Walles, Orangefield Texas, USA
These are people just like the rest of us |
I think too many people get caught up in the celebrity and forget the reality that these are people just like the rest of us. They have opinions and have just as much right as anyone else to express those opinions. If you disagree with their opinion, fine. Say so. But don't hide behind petty claims of abuse of power or position.
Bill Deskin, USA Mr Bush and Blair keep quoting that Iraq is a threat to our society of a free world and our democratic system, yet we as ordinary citizens seem to have no influence upon this supposed democratic process. If Martin Sheen can use his celebrity to promote the cause of us ordinary citizens without apparent voice, then I thank him for his conviction and courage.
Robert van Veen, Portugal
No. 99% are liberal and their views are slanted which is expected. However since actors such as Sheen have starred and made money in high budget war movies I think it is a hypocritical.
Charles Jackson, USA
How could anyone possibly consider the opinion of someone isolated from the real world? Someone whose entire perspective is based on make believe. It is one thing to be the leader of the free world ... but another to play it, with no real responsibilities..
Charles W. Rogers, Jr, USA
The pro-war camp claim to be fighting for freedom and democracy, well start with yourselves. If pro-war celebrities had the right to speak after September 11th 2001, anti-war celebrities have just as much right to speak now. Innocent people are going to die in this, but the pro-war camp would rather that this fact get lost in the jingoism that they're trying to create to divert public attention from such 'trivial' matters.
H, Birmingham, England
Though I strongly disagree with Mr Sheen and the other celebrity anti-war demonstrators I would fight to the death defending their right to express their opinions. The real problem is the emphasis the press gives to their opinions and all of the unnecessary coverage provided to them. Being famous neither qualifies nor disqualifies their expertise on any subject matter but there will always be people who are swayed by the opinions of those who get their names and faces in the news. I try to just consider the source and that usually relegates them to the junk pile.
Mike Lewis, USA
Being a celebrity, or not, is independent to one's right to free speech |
Martin Sheen is as entitled to express his opinion as anyone else, regardless of his celebrity. Being a celebrity, or not, is independent to one's right to free speech. Reasoned intelligence based on facts, justice, equanimity and compassion for all beings on this planet is similarly independent to one's station in life.
I agree with Sheen's views and am grateful that he is speaking up with a voice of sanity to counter the pro war propaganda blitz at this extremely grave and crucial time in the world's history in trying to prevent loss of innocent life and the possible beginning of a catastrophic, lawless, destabilised world. I have noticed with some despondency that those who, on the subject of Iraq, seek to cast the views of those who oppose a war as "shallow, ill-thought out, worthless and scornful" (e.g. Anthony Jones, UK) betray themselves as worthy recipients of their own condemnation. If you are reading this Martin - thank you.
Peter Wilkie, Australia Celebrities are what they are because of what they do well - act, play football etc; not because they have any superior intellect or moral fibre. The only people influenced by them are the sheep amongst us, who either don't have an opinion of their own or who are in agreement with a celebrity because of the (perceived)reflected glory it brings them. Some so called celebrities are so surrounded by yes men and sycophants that they come to believe that their views are really more important than those of common people.
Bryan, UK
If stars were advocating war would this same question be asked? Hollywood stars in the past such as John Wayne advocated wars yet did anyone say that it was not appropriate for him to do so? Of course these men and women have the same first amendment rights as anyone else. The abuse of the first amendment in the United States comes in with the rights of corporations which are entities. Because of a "mistake", a court reporter for the Supreme Court of the United States wrote that the corporation was a person under the constitution. The corporation never had any such right under the constitution.
This mistake has cost the United States dearly and is now costing the rest of the world dearly because the corporations under WTO,IMF and World Bank are taking over the world in a "new world order" and this is what even the impending invasion of Iraq is about. The US is not going to stop with Iraq either. This is going to be a bloody mess and it is in the name of corporate profit. Only the people united can stand against it. It starts with opposing what the United States and the United Kingdom are doing in the Middle East now!
David, USA
I think that what the "stars" think are completely irrelevant as they are so pampered and out of touch with everyday life as it is already. Who cares what Martin Sheen or Sean Penn thinks? If they want to really help how about donating their overpaid salaries to helping starving people worldwide? Too much attention is paid to celebrities as it is and it needs to stop now.
Iain Black, USA
Contrary to what many believe, the US is a free country and no one is demanding that these celebrities be gagged. But since it is a free country, others also have the freedom to point out that said opinions are ignorant, naive and severely damaging to their country's image abroad. Because they are celebrities, these people know that any vocal political position they take will get maximum exposure.
With that privileged position comes a responsibility to be informed about the issues, the possible solutions and, most important, the consequences of any actions. They have not done this. To them, it is just theatre with no consequences in the real world. They are nothing but spoiled rich kids living in a dream world. I can say that because it is a free country. But no one will force them to take that advice, for the same reason.
MC, Finland
Yes, the views of influential stars definitely do matter. America needs more of its influential people to speak out firmly against war. The American people should realise that they are being brainwashed by the pro-war US propaganda machine. It really amazes me that many Americans are still blind to the blatant hypocrisy and double standards of US foreign policy. Grow up and think for yourselves, dear Americans.
Sudhir, New Zealand
I admire these people very much for speaking out. In recent weeks I have been very disturbed by the McCarthy-like trends that are developing here. The pro war people that I have spoken to have not been able to come up with any intelligent arguments for what they believe in, other than Saddam is a threat to America and that we should "go and take him out". How or why, they cannot say. In discussions, they too easily resort to personal insults and attacks or the belittling of any oppositional thoughts. They seem to be running on emotion and ego, following blindly where the administration sends them. Their logic is that you are anti-war therefore you are anti-American, anti-troops etc, etc. We are being manipulated beyond belief. Good luck to these actors - we need them. I'll still be watching West Wing.
Annaskacel, USA
If normal, everyday people are not being heard then those in the limelight are doing us a favour.
Laura, Scotland
I suspect most people talking about his influential status were already on his side of the Iraq issue. It's all a show.
Skip G, USA
They are as "real" in their causes as they are in their films |
Martin Sheen, like other celebrities, is recruited for causes. They get paid to read scriptwriters' words. They are as "real" in their causes as they are in their films and TV shows.
Wilma, US Martin Sheen has a history of activism. He has been arrested a number of times and has marched for many "unsexy" causes in which he strongly believes. I think he is a brave man.
Brenda, USA
I do have respect for the likes of Bono who are tireless campaigners. However when uneducated young pop stars are trying to tell us what to think it just becomes an annoyance. People seem to be anti-war because it's fashionable, not because they have a particularly strong opinion.
Eddie, UK
Stars and celebrities influence society on a range of useless things (hairstyles, make up, Beckham-style skirts!) Although I was awe of Ms Dynamite's collaboration with George Michael at the Brits, I really don't think it will make much different because most people are opposed to war anyway.....
Sarah Lee, UK
The war will affect all of us not just the famous. I think it is much more important to hear want the children have to say about the war. I mean it is our voice that isn't being heard. Does no one care about the affect this will have on us? It seems to me that the world is not a safe place to be growing up in.
Holly Rance, age 16, Thailand
Martin Sheen is as entitled to share his opinion as anyone else. The difference is that "the public" is prepared to listen to and take notice of him.
Helen, UK
Nobody complained when celebrities offered their political opinions at a concert to commemorate 9/11 |
Nobody complained when scores of celebrities offered their political opinions at a concert to commemorate 9/11/01. Apparently it's perfectly acceptable for someone to use their public status for political leverage, just as long as they toe the party line.
John Toon, UK I have found that pop stars and actors often have extremely naive views, and their knowledge of the world is very limited. They should not be using their fame and adulation to air their liberal views.
Andrew Howlett, England
Yet again it seems that if you don't agree with your government you are a traitor. Can I just ask what century we are living in? What has happened to democracy? I always thought that freedom of speech was one of the fundamental aspects of democracy. Following the reaction that Martin Sheen, Sean Penn and others have received I am beginning to wonder.
Ju, England
They are human just like us non-celebs. They have a right to air their views. The general public have been telling the various governments what they think; I see no reason why celebs should be quiet.
Robin , Ex-UK
It is important that Sheen and other celebrities should have their say, especially since many others can't afford to in George Bush's America where "Peace on Earth" is against the law! The ordinary citizen's rights are disappearing as they always to on the path from republic to empire.
Ian, Canada
I hope not. Some of them might well have put a great deal of consideration into their point of view but most are simply stating the view of the masses - the cool, hip and trendy anti-war view. By the way, I'm still waiting for *the* song.
Rajeev, Germany
Celebrities are usually just as misinformed |
Celebrities are usually just as misinformed as the general public becuase most of the information they receive is via the media. I don't know too many stars that sit in on classified briefs, or on defence committees and know the facts. Their opinions are just as valid as anybody else's, but not necessarily the best informed.
Brian T, Germany Martin Sheen is entitled to his opinion and to voice it if he wishes - isn't that what freedom of speech is all about? It concerns me when a country that sees itself as a shining beacon of democracy would come down so heavy handed on anyone who would voice their views. (And for those who say that the reason we should bomb Iraq is because they don't have that freedom, I say this: There are millions of people living in repressive societies around the world - but do we go in and bomb/liberate all of them? Or just the ones with the world's second biggest oil reserves?) Let us remember good old Ronald Regan. Now there's someone who should have kept his mouth shut and stuck to acting.
Dom, UK
Better speak and make it fast - your liberties to do so are fast eroding |
At least somebody in the public eye is able to get their opposing viewpoint out. But considering the backlash against anybody - celebrity, politician, everyday citizen - who speaks out against American action in Iraq, better speak and make it fast. Your liberties to do so are fast eroding and may soon disappear entirely!
Andy, USA Despite the news becoming entertainment, most people know that entertainment is not news. Which intelligence agency did Martin Sheen use to then persuade people Iraq is not a threat? Or which publicist's lines did he repeat to get the most free publicity?
RCB, USA
Would Ronald Reagan's comments be acceptable because he was president, or unacceptable because he was an actor?
Chris Cormier, Canada
I am tired of actors using their status to voice their opinions. Especially when they are only entertainers and they should stick to just the business of acting.
Cheri Oxenfeld, USA
All power to Martin Sheen for using whatever influence he may have to stand up for what he believes in, despite great risk to himself both personally and professionally. The character he plays is a just and humanitarian man, much like Mr Sheen himself. Those who want Mr Sheen removed from playing that part are clearly afraid that the American public might see the difference between a good president and the one that is currently in office.
Susan Fraser, Scotland
Whilst everyone has a right to freedom of speech, in many cases 'celebrities' tend to know little of subjects they talk about. Unlike real life Mr Sheen can not solve the world's troubles in less than an hour and with commercial breaks.
j. Bainbridge, UK
The only way to get publicity for anti-war views seems to be through celebrities |
When the American media are all putting out the same pro-war, pro-Bush message, the only way to get publicity for anti-war views seems to be through celebrities. If they are the only ones who are able to speak for the majority against a war without UN approval, so be it. Only those who are anti- free speech would be worried.
J M, UK Politicians have been abusing their position for years. Why not let the stars have their say? At least it should provoke healthy debate, something our politicians seem to have forgotten.
Robert Russell, UK
There's nothing wrong with a celebrity voicing their opinions, they are just as valid as anyone else's on this matter. I will certainly listen to them if they make an intelligent argument for either side. However, what could be criticised is the fact that they will get air time no matter how intelligent their argument is, just because of who they are. Theres also the absence of a proper debate, arguments need to be objective to allow people to make their own mind up on the issues.
Matthew Chadwick, UK
Martin Sheen has been arrested over 60 times for peaceful protest |
Martin Sheen has nothing to gain and everything to lose simply by offering his opinion. I marched on February 15th with no risk to my career, Sheen demonstrates against this absurd war and suddenly people are calling for him to be stripped of a job he does outstandingly well. And remember, this isn't just someone who says a few words through his PR, Martin Sheen has been arrested over 60 times for peaceful protest. I only wish Bartlet were president...
Kim Erin Cowley, UK Celebrity status is both good and bad in promoting a political view. If the best informed view is also the most popular one, than a celebrity viewpoint would matter, since their celebrity status reflects the preferences of the public. If the best informed view is complex or unpopular, than their views don't matter any more than any others poorly informed or poorly reasoned opinion.
Vig, UK
An actor's opinion is just as important as a prime minister's |
Martin Sheen and all others like him who speak out when it is dangerous and unpopular to do so are heroes. These are the people who are really standing up for freedom and an actor's opinion is just as important as a prime minister's. We are all citizens responsible for our planet and we all have a right to be heard. Sheen has proven time and again that he is a conscientious thoughtful citizen. It shows in his acting and in his life. Bravo Martin! Keep up the good work.
Sue Stroud, Canada While everyone is entitled to an opinion I think undue weight is given to entertainers and so-called celebrities as if they are well informed. It's up to the listener to decide which argument they agree with, either that of a celebrity who by speaking out legitimises their own view, or people who have the information but can't be trusted not to be using it for an end to suit their ultimate intentions.
Peter Hodges, Hong Kong
Just look at the lives of the "stars" - depravity, drug addiction, arrogance... Yeah, I should follow their advice.
Hezekiah King, USA
Their social and political views should carry less weight than that of the average citizen |
These Hollywood "activists" make me chuckle every time I hear their bombast. Their social and political views should carry less weight than that of the average citizen. They are pampered elite who look pretty and can read a script but otherwise have no real conception of how the real world works. Do you remember when Hollywood supported the US Government? John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart, and Henry Fonda are turning in their graves!
Robert Leonard, USA To be honest with you, it does make a difference to me. I often believe in the opposite to what the celebrity says because many of them are so cushioned from reality and voice opinion in order to gain popularity. Just like the way they get involved in charity to push their profile.
Keith Aherne, Ireland
After reading the remarks on actors, I am rather shocked by the pompous and self-righteous attitude towards actors that some people have. Just because they are actors does that mean that they are clueless and stupid? No, most actors are very talented, gifted artists, intelligent and have worked damn hard to get to where they are. Is it an abuse of their position to voice their opinions before the world? No - every single one of us would do exactly the same in a place where the world hears our opinion. And here we see someone doing exactly that and being attacked by people who are clearly jealous of that persons position and influence.
Simon, Switzerland
Celebrities have an already well established platform from which to do some good |
Celebrities have an already well established platform from which to do some good. Congratulations to Mr Sheen for using his well respected voice for some good.
Steven, UK As the default position of the USA is pro-war it's essential that anyone with an anti-war view does put their head above the parapet. So good on Martin Sheen, George Clooney, Kevin Spacey et al.
Alex B, UK
Two questions:
1) Why is anyone surprised that the lead actor of Apocalypse Now might be anti-war?
2) Why does anyone think it matters?
Simon Richardson, UK
We always speak of America as the land of liberty, freedom and justice. We always speak of it as the champion of democracy and freedom of speech.. Is it now when opinions of some people oppose the viewpoint of the government that we ban their so-called controversial opinions?
Ayham Kamel, Lebanon
Usually their statements are devoid of facts and intelligence |
Actors are actors; they play with emotions, that is their talent. They are obviously entitled to opinions but what is the substance of their knowledge and argument when they speak out about Iraq. Usually their statements are devoid of facts and intelligence, they have no more knowledge than the public at large. How can we stop them abusing their popularity in drama when it comes to reality? My only course of action is not to buy the products with which they are involved and that is what I intend to do. From the conversations I have with friends and colleagues that what most of us will do. We cannot vote them out next time can we?
R D L Burns, Wales I think many of them are better keeping their mouths closed. Stars like Martin Sheen and Sean Penn show themselves to be as vacuous (if not more) than the most naive teenager.
Dave, New Zealand
Like many other celebs over the years (Jane Fonda springs to mind), Sheen's misinformed political grandstanding only reveals his (or his publicist's) hunger for attention at any cost. As an entertainment commodity, he's just devalued himself considerably.
Scott Forbes, Texas,USA
It is hypocritical to criticise anyone who is exercising their constitutional right |
It is irrelevant if you are famous or not. All of us have the basic right to voice an opinion. It is hypocritical to criticise anyone who is exercising their constitutional right and for those who do criticise Mr Sheen, it is shameful and pathetic. All the man is trying to do is give his opinion and make a difference instead of blindly following the crowd towards another US-led war.
EC, USA They are welcome to their opinions and, of course, to voice them just like you and me. However, most of us do not attract the kind of media attention that these folks do, which gives them a disproportionately loud voice for unelected citizens. The fact that this is a subject for discussion proves the point! Still, most of us, I think, are able to celebrate these people's wonderful talent for entertaining us without pouring scorn (or praise) on their personal opinions... at least, I hope so!
Mark M. Newdick, US/UK
I don't really care who they are, famous or not, they have as much right to voice their opinions and exercise their right to free speech as anyone else. Just as I do and the rest of people on this page.
Michael Noyce, England
I give any celebrity kudos for speaking out |
One of celebrities' roles in society is to promote charities and campaign for causes they believe in and always has been; why should an anti-war stance be different than a campaign for housing for the homeless or diabetes? Martin Sheen has been travelling to Columbia, GA for the past eight years to protest against the military school of the Americas, why is it such as issue for him to speak out now just because tensions are high? I give any celebrity kudos for speaking out, not just now because it's a hot issue but always!
Moria, USA Celebrities, while entitled to their views, deserve no more consideration than any other person. It seems, however, extremely pompous of these people to offer their opinions as though they are so much more intelligent and perceptive than the common man by simple virtue of their being in the public eye.
Mark Rees, California USA
Actor Martin Sheen as well as all of us in the West have the luxury of freedom of speech. However, none of us can know what the average citizen of countries such as Iraq think and would like to express. Sheen and many other high-profile figures are actually promoting the survival of despotic and cruel regimes such as Iraq's and are prolonging the misery of its people.
Shahla S., New York, USA
They are not privy to intelligence information |
No their views should not matter any more than any other private citizen. They are not privy to intelligence information, and they were not elected to make decisions for us. Martin Sheen knows nothing more about the situation in Iraq than I do, possibly less. He only gets attention because he is famous. It is a farce.
Shawn, Eugene, OR, USA Martin Sheen has the right as a human being and US citizen to hold his beliefs and to speak about them. What does it say about what kind of people they are who accost him on the street, call him a "traitor" and send him hate mail? These people consider themselves Americans? Who is committing the greater treason against the Constitution? It is shaming to share the continent with these backward people.
CZ, California, USA
I think it is excellent that these actors are voicing their opinions Courtney Sealls, Milwaukee, USA |
I think it is excellent that these actors are voicing their opinions. Whether or not I agree with them or not, I think it is interesting to see that there is more to the actor - it makes them human. It shows that they can get out of their Hollywood boxes once in awhile and pay attention to the turmoil outside of Hollywood.
Courtney Sealls, Milwaukee, USA Famous people can say anything they want, and the media can go on thinking somebody cares. People who actually have an opinion they believe in are not going to change their minds by listening to some talking head. Reason and knowledge will be what thoughtful people listen to, drones and dullard will listen to celebrities.
Kevin Dreyer, USA
I agree with Mr Sheen that there is too little coverage of the anti-war movement provided by the news media. If it is permissible for the news media to adopt a pro-war stance, I see no reason why celebrities cannot lend their profile to increase exposure themselves.
Max Bell, USA
Often actors seem actually proud of how badly they did at school! |
I would much rather hear from top businessmen or academics than these actors. People seem to think that these "stars" are who they play - Sheen is NOT the president and Schwarzenegger is NOT a super-hero - they are actors pretending. Don't forget how often in interviews pop stars and actors seem actually proud of how badly they did at school! I do not value their thoughts above any other citizen in the street - indeed the man in the street is more likely to be in touch with reality.
Bob, England Why shouldn't Martin Sheen get to have his say? I mean, here the BBC is asking me...
Kay, Iceland
While I don't agree with all of Martin Sheen's stance, I respect his decision to protest, and would argue vociferously for his right and anyone's right to free speech.
Craig Shaw, UK
Celebs have one vote like the rest of us. I suggest they use it at the appropriate time and spare us their less than insightful political opinions.
Calum Steen, UK
I'm a bit more worried about Tony Blair abusing his status as elected representative of the British people (a clear majority of whom do not want this war). As for Martin Sheen, I know little of his work, but see no reason why he shouldn't have his say.
Toby Barrett, UK
Individuals have every right to view those celebrities with complete scorn! |
Celebrities like Martin Sheen and George Michael have every right to express their shallow and ill-thought out opinions. And individuals like me have every right to view those celebrities and their worthless opinions with complete scorn!
Anthony Jones, UK Some celebs are in a position to get their voices heard better than the rest of us. And because celebs are not government funded (nor indeed funding the government) they're able to get issues raised that are otherwise swept under the carpet by the government and the slightly less than impartial media.
Simon Corbett, UK
Whether I agree with Martin Sheen's opinions on war with Iraq has no bearing on how much I enjoy his playing the role of President Bartlett in The West Wing - a quality drama in which he is excellent. Perhaps the Citizens Against Celebrity Pundits are confusing TV with real life?
Mike Bell, UK
I find it amazing and horrifying that people are unable to separate fantasy and reality to this extent. I don't see any conflict at all in portraying the American president in a fictional drama and voicing an opinion as himself which happens not to be in accord with the real American president's views. The actor and the role are two separate entities.
William Ramsden, UK
Martin Sheen would make a better president than Bush. I think any intelligent person with public influence should use their celebrity to educate those who have been brainwashed by the US propaganda machine and Bush's euphemisms.
B Now, UK, US expat
The media should not give them such a high profile |
For some reason people believe celebrity confers some greater insight into matters unrelated to celebrity. Actors are actors, no more and no less. Unless they are talking about acting their opinion has no more importance than that of anyone else. The media should not give them such a high profile.
Dave, UK The American public are being fed blatant propaganda and lies from the right wing American media, so it's great to hear an American celebrity speaking out against the war. I don't believe he is abusing his position as he is liable to get crucified by the US newspapers, and could do his career more harm than good.
David, Scotland
I don't care what celebrities say one way or the other. Of course, Martin Sheen has every right to voice his opinion. And people who want to question why anyone should care what he thinks have their right to speak as well. Now what's this about the "right wing media" (five to 10 years ago all you heard was "liberal media") not covering protests?!?! I hear about them almost every day. What are we discussing right now on the BBC?
Jerry, USA
I have my own view on the Iraq matter and as far as I am concerned what an actor or musician thinks of it is as relevant as what Tony Blair thinks of a film or soundtrack. The fact they are elevated in one field doesn't make their views any more important, contrary to what many people seem to think.
John B, UK
One-Minute World News 
News services
Email this to a friend 
Printable version 
