Ben Stiller’s Controversial Comments at Harris Fundraiser Raise Eyebrows

Actor Ben Stiller made headlines during a recent “Comics for Kamala” fundraising call, where he expressed his enthusiastic support for Democratic presidential hopeful Kamala Harris while making some controversial remarks about race and identity. The fundraiser, aimed at boosting Harris’s campaign, featured several prominent comedians and actors, highlighting the entertainment industry's support for her candidacy.

During the call, Stiller shared his thoughts on Harris, praising her candidacy as historic and exciting. "It’s beautiful when she laughs because she’s a real person. … She’s also a historic candidate," Stiller remarked, emphasizing Harris’s potential to become the first female president. "She’s Indian, she’s black, she’s everything. You can be more than one thing, it’s incredible."

• Controversial Comments: Stiller continued, "You know, I’m Jewish and Irish. I wish I was black. Every white Jewish guy wishes he was black. You know, get out there and vote and donate and take advantage." These comments quickly sparked debate on social media, with many questioning the appropriateness of Stiller's remarks.

• Fundraising Efforts: Despite the controversy, Stiller announced his personal donation of $150,000 to Harris’s campaign. The event featured other notable comedy stars, including Patton Oswalt, Jason Bateman, D.L. Hughley, Kathy Griffin, Jon Hamm, and Ed Helms, among others. The call was organized by Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA), who praised Harris for her engaging personality and infectious laugh.

The fundraiser mirrored a similar "White Dudes for Harris" call held the previous week, which featured celebrities like Jeff Bridges, Mark Ruffalo, and Mark Hamill, and raised over $4 million. Harris’s supporters believe these events energize the campaign and draw attention to her historic candidacy.

• Comedic Banter: Kathy Griffin, another prominent participant, humorously challenged Stiller to match her $20,000 donation. She posted on Threads, "I also donated $20,000 of my own money and then said that @benstiller was going to match my $20,000. I don’t even know if he heard that part because his face wasn’t on camera. Don’t be mad at me, Ben."

The comments made by Stiller at the fundraiser have sparked discussion about race, identity, and the role of celebrities in political campaigns. While some praised his intentions and support for Harris, others criticized his remarks as tone-deaf and inappropriate. As Harris continues her bid for the presidency, the entertainment industry's backing will likely play a crucial role in shaping public perception and fundraising efforts.

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