Anthony Mackie has the tendency to speak his mind and the actor did so during a recent roundtable discussion, as he deemed The Kardashian-Jenner clan responsible for fans’ deteriorating behavior towards actors. Mackie is primarily known for his role as Sam Wilson, aka The Falcon, and will be taking on the mantle of Captain America in the upcoming MCU film, Brave New World.
The actor recently sat down with some of the renowned comedy actors in the industry discussing several things, including the impact The Kardashians have had on fan culture over the past few years.
Anthony Mackie’s Critical Observation of The Kardashians’ Impact on Fan Culture
Starting with the reality TV series, the Kardashian-Jenner family has become a cornerstone of pop culture, with various aspects including television, brands, and social media. Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner, notably, have risen to prominence, consistently appearing at prestigious events and among Hollywood’s elite.
However, Marvel star Anthony Mackie believes that their pervasive presence in the media has significantly impacted fans’ behavior towards actors, as he shared during The Hollywood Reporter’s Comedy Actors Roundtable.
“Mine is, ‘Can I take a picture?'” he said when asked about an inevitable question that they are frequently asked. He further expressed frustration with how people have started pursuing actors more like commodities rather than artists.
Because of the Kardashians, we’re put in this reality where we’re looked at as tools, as vessels, as opposed to artists. There’s been several experiences where people have taken pictures with me and used them for ways that I don’t deem right.
Other actors present during the discussion, including The Gentlemen star Theo James also weighed in on the topic, echoing Mackie’s sentiments, as they stressed the importance of respecting personal boundaries.
Anthony Mackie Criticizes Misconceptions of Celebrity Consent
Further into the conversation, the Black Mirror star also shared his reluctance to be part of the “social reality” of the celebrity culture, while highlighting the misconception of being a public figure and drawing parallels to the issue of consent in social interactions.
I have people tell me all the time, “Well, this is what you signed up for.” That’s crazy! That’s like telling a girl that because she put on a cute dress and went to a bar, she signed up for me to harass her all night. In this day and age, we’ve learned that we have to respect everyone’s “no.”
He asserted that the same should be applied to the public figures, saying, “If I tell you no, respect it, and there’s a reason for that.” Theo James also expressed his disinterest in celebrity culture in the profession.
“It is interesting, the melding of actors and celebrities,” he said before adding, “I have no interest in that other part. It’s the job. It’s what I do.” Mackie’s claims over The Kardashians’ influence on the fans’ approach have sparked a broader discussion on privacy and consent in the entertainment industry.
