Internet outraged after Antonio Sabato Jr reveals he was 'blackballed' by Hollywood for supporting Trump
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Antonio Sabato Jr, once a prominent TV star and model, has claimed that his support for Donald Trump's first presidential campaign led to his ostracization in Hollywood.
In a revealing interview with the Daily Mail, the former heartthrob of 'Melrose Place' and 'General Hospital' discussed his experiences and his plans for a comeback - not in acting, but in boxing.
Anthony Sabato Jr 'blackballed' by Hollywood
Sabato Jr, 52, described his tumultuous journey since endorsing Trump in 2016. He claimed he was "blackballed" by the Hollywood elite, which resulted in his agents dropping him and his projects disappearing overnight. Reflecting on this period, Sabato said he has undergone "a lot of growing" since then.
The backlash against Sabato Jr intensified after a speech he gave at the Republican National Convention in 2016, where he controversially claimed that Barack Obama was not a Christian but a Muslim "on the bad side." This speech marked the beginning of his struggles, as he was immediately dropped by his agents and found himself without work.
Despite these hardships, Sabato touted a sense of resilience. "If you disagree with the power of Hollywood about major key points in our country, it could get very dangerous," the actor said.
"I think it's going to be like that for the rest of my life. But whether you disagree with me or not, you have to give some respect to someone who stands up to the bully."
"They tried to blackball me and to make sure I never work in this town again, but I will continue to work and make my path," he explained.
Faced with limited opportunities in Hollywood, Sabato relocated his family to Florida seven years ago and took on various construction jobs to make ends meet.
"Nobody was hiring me in the Hollywood world but I needed to make enough money to survive to take care of my family," he said. "I pulled up my sleeves, put my ego in check, and did what I had to do. I was going to job sites from midnight to six in the morning and then I would actually do the job like pouring concrete from the truck. I did it all."
In addition to his professional struggles, Sabato Jr has been candid about his personal battles with drug addiction. He revealed that he has been drug-free for the past eight years, crediting his wife Katia, their children, and his strong faith in his sobriety.
"Love is amazing and God is good," he shared, celebrating his seventh wedding anniversary with Katia. "I'm a recovering addict and I went through life and death. Now I'm in the best place in my life."
Anthony Sabato Jr's political foray and views
Beyond his acting career, Sabato also ventured into politics. In 2018, he ran for the 26th district Congressional seat in California but faced significant challenges. His campaign was marred by personal issues, including a divorce filing from his estranged wife, Marie, who accused him of abusing prescription benzodiazepines.
Despite placing second in the primary, Sabato's political aspirations were dampened by these allegations and his past support for Trump.
Reflecting on his political journey, Sabato Jr has distanced himself from both major parties, identifying now as an Independent.
"I was a Democrat at one point then I became a Republican," he said. "I got to know both parties really well—the good and the bad—and now I know I want nothing to do with either party since I am now an Independent."
He criticized the current regime, stating, "I think Biden is doing an awful job and the country is in terrible shape. Both parties are the problem because they are not helping people. They actually only stand for themselves and they could care less about the well-being of the people."
Albeit he no longer supports Trump or the GOP, Sabato acknowledged the former president was being unfairly prosecuted. "With all the real crime that politicians have done, they want to focus on something that had nothing to do with Trump being president. The country is not doing well but we have another shot at changing things around," he said.
Amidst these personal and professional challenges, Sabato Jr is now seeking a new path in the boxing ring. He has signed with the owners of Celebrity Boxing and hopes to face off against professional fighters like Floyd Mayweather or Conor McGregor.
"My life has been very challenging and I want to share that journey with people to give them some hope," Sabato Jr told the Daily Mail.
"Maybe to lift them up and they can say, 'Wow, Antonio went through all this s**t, but now look at him!' That's what life is all about—having those moments that could change your perspective that helps get your life back on track."
Social media reactions to Anthony Sabato Jr's comments
Sabato's revelations have elicited strong reactions from the public, particularly regarding his treatment by Hollywood for his political beliefs.
"Let’s be honest, anyone who supports Trump they will try to destroy. These are old-school Marxist tactics," one reader opined on Daily Mail's website.
"So if you’re not with the party you are punished. Kinda communist isn’t it?" another wrote.
"People should be able to believe and vote how they choose without discrimination," a comment read.
"Good for him, standing up for what he believes in. Lots of Hollywood Trump supporters out there are too scared to speak up," someone else posted.
"Since this happened, Hollywood has imploded so he gets the last laugh. Most of us west of the Hudson River and east of California HATE Hollywood," another offered.
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
