Celebrity endorsements can sometimes lead to unexpected controversy, and that’s exactly what happened when US actor Jessica Alba posted a video featuring US Vice President Kamala Harris just weeks ahead of the 2024 Presidential elections.

The video, meant to highlight Harris’s efforts to support Latina small business owners, sparked an online storm of backlash, particularly from Republicans and critics of Harris. Many viewers labeled the video “super creepy,” with Jessica Alba becoming the target of heavy criticism. The controversy arose not just over the content of the video, but due to Alba’s endorsement of a political figure so close to a pivotal election.

Jessica Alba bashed by fans for ‘super creepy’ video with Kamala Harris https://t.co/lQojpLSVBj pic.twitter.com/LB4lS21MUY

— New York Post (@nypost) October 5, 2024

The Viral Video That Sparked the Backlash

On Instagram, Jessica Alba shared a video where she was seen conversing with Kamala Harris in matching pantsuits. The focus of their conversation was the empowerment of Latina small businesses, a key talking point for the Vice President’s outreach to minority voters. While the message was aimed at promoting support for small business owners, the awkward nature of their interaction led many to focus more on the optics than the content.

Within hours of its posting, the video gained traction—though not in the way the actor might have hoped. Critics, primarily Republican voters and Kamala Harris detractors, flooded the comments section with negative feedback, accusing Alba of losing touch with her audience.

Criticism from All Sides

One of the most widespread reactions came from users who claimed that Alba had “lost her mind” by publicly supporting Harris. “Go woke, go broke,” some commenters argued, accusing Alba of aligning with a political figure whom they believe has harmed small businesses during her time in office.

One user voiced their frustration by stating, “I’m not Latina, but I am a small business owner, and my business has suffered terribly these past nearly four years. The fact that you support this woman just cost you my business.”

Another prominent comment that garnered attention noted that Alba looked “uncomfortable” in the video, adding fuel to the speculation that her endorsement might not have been genuine. Many users even vowed to unfollow her on social media, while others threatened to boycott her beauty and baby products company, Honest Co.

The Impact on Alba’s Brand and Business

The Honest Co., Jessica Alba’s eco-friendly beauty and baby product brand, was at the center of the backlash. Several users declared that they would no longer support the brand, linking their disapproval of Alba’s political stance to their consumer choices. “You just lost millions of dollars in business with that post,” one commenter wrote, highlighting the potential damage this endorsement could have on Alba’s brand.

Political Endorsements: A Risky Move for Celebrities

Celebrity endorsements have always been a double-edged sword. On one hand, stars can influence their fans to support a candidate or cause; on the other, they risk alienating a large portion of their audience who might not share their views.

This incident with Jessica Alba is a prime example of how political endorsements can backfire, especially in today’s highly polarized climate. The backlash comes at a time when tensions are already high ahead of the 2024 US Presidential elections. It’s a reminder that when it comes to politics, celebrities often walk a fine line between advocating for what they believe in and losing the support of their fanbase.

Jessica Alba bashed for 'super creepy' Kamala Harris videohttps://t.co/mWl4YThS2D

— Jaun News Group (@jaunnewsgroup) October 5, 2024

Kamala Harris’s Role in the Backlash

Kamala Harris, as the first woman and first woman of color to serve as Vice President, has long been a polarizing figure. While she has the support of many Democrats, her critics argue that her policies and public appearances often miss the mark. This latest incident with Jessica Alba only further exemplifies the divide in public opinion when it comes to Harris’s outreach efforts.

Harris’s appearance in North Carolina and Georgia just days before the video went viral was aimed at showing her support for communities affected by Hurricane Helene. However, instead of focusing on her humanitarian efforts, the online conversation has shifted toward the uncomfortable nature of the video with Alba.

Can Celebrities Afford to Stay Neutral?

In today’s political landscape, staying neutral can be just as damaging as taking a stance. Many celebrities feel pressured to speak out on political matters, especially as fans increasingly expect them to use their platforms for social causes. However, as this incident with Jessica Alba demonstrates, supporting a candidate or political figure can have lasting repercussions for a celebrity’s brand.

Conclusion: Will the Backlash Fade?

Whether this backlash will have a long-term impact on Jessica Alba’s career or her brand remains to be seen. In the short term, however, it’s clear that this misstep has cost her the support of some fans. As the 2024 election draws nearer, it’s likely that more celebrities will face similar scrutiny for their political endorsements.

The question remains: can celebrities navigate the tricky waters of political endorsements without alienating their fanbase, or will the risks outweigh the rewards?

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