History of Celebrity Departure Threats

Early History

Celebrity political activism in America dates back generations. During the McCarthy era of the 1950s, some Hollywood figures actually did leave the country - not by choice, but due to blacklisting. Writers, directors, and actors suspected of communist sympathies found themselves unable to work and some relocated to Europe to continue their careers.

The Vietnam War era saw increased celebrity political engagement, with some entertainers making statements about leaving if certain policies continued. However, these threats were less commonly documented in the pre-internet age.

The 2000s: Early Modern Examples

The contested 2000 election between George W. Bush and Al Gore, followed by the Iraq War, prompted a new wave of celebrity political statements. Several high-profile entertainers made comments about leaving the country, though tracking and documenting these statements was more difficult before widespread social media use.

Notable figures from this era occasionally referenced moving to Canada or Europe, but the phenomenon hadn't yet become the cultural touchstone it would later become.

2016: The Turning Point

The 2016 presidential election marked a dramatic escalation in celebrity departure threats. The contentious campaign between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton polarized the entertainment industry, and many celebrities made public statements - often on social media - threatening to leave if Trump won.

What made 2016 different:

• Social media amplification: Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook allowed celebrities to make direct, immediate statements to millions of followers.
• Permanent record: Unlike off-hand comments in interviews, social media posts created a lasting, searchable record.
• Viral spread: Statements were shared, screenshotted, and discussed across platforms, ensuring wide visibility.
• Media coverage: News outlets began compiling lists of celebrities who had made such threats, creating a new genre of political coverage.

Canada's immigration website reportedly crashed on election night 2016 due to high traffic, though it's unclear how much of this was from celebrities versus ordinary citizens.

2017-2020: The Follow-Through Question

In the months and years following the 2016 election, a new narrative emerged: had any of these celebrities actually left? Media outlets and social media users began tracking whether public figures had followed through on their stated intentions.

The overwhelming answer was no. While some celebrities purchased property abroad or spent extended time in other countries, virtually none permanently relocated as a direct result of the election outcome. Many walked back their statements, claimed they were joking, or simply stopped addressing the topic.

2020: A Repeat Performance

The 2020 election saw a continuation of the trend, though with some differences. Some celebrities who had made threats in 2016 were more circumspect, having faced criticism for not following through. Others made new statements, sometimes referencing both potential outcomes.

The COVID-19 pandemic added a new dimension, as international travel restrictions made the prospect of relocating more complicated than simply booking a flight.

2024: The Pattern Continues

The 2024 election cycle has seen renewed celebrity departure threats, continuing the pattern established in 2016. With Donald Trump once again a candidate, many of the same names - and some new ones - have made statements about leaving the country.

By this point, skepticism about such threats has become part of the cultural conversation. Both supporters and critics of these celebrities often reference the lack of follow-through from previous cycles.

Is This Uniquely American?

While this site focuses on American celebrities and U.S. elections, the phenomenon isn't entirely unique to the United States:

• Brexit (2016): Some British celebrities threatened to leave the UK if Brexit passed, with a few actually relocating to EU countries.
• Other democracies: Similar statements have been documented in Australia, France, and other countries during contentious elections, though typically with less media attention.

The American version of this phenomenon is notable for its scale, the celebrity of those involved, and the intense media coverage it receives.

Why Track This?

Some might ask why we bother documenting these statements. There are several reasons:

• Accountability: Public figures have influence. Documenting their public statements creates a record of their commitments.
• Historical record: This phenomenon reflects a specific moment in American political and celebrity culture worth documenting.
• Public interest: Many people are genuinely curious whether celebrities follow through on these high-profile statements.
• Media literacy: Understanding the pattern of these statements - and their typical outcomes - helps people evaluate similar claims in the future.

The Bigger Picture

Celebrity departure threats have become a recurring feature of American election cycles. Whether viewed as sincere expressions of political despair, performative statements for attention, or something in between, they reflect the deep polarization of contemporary American politics and the unique role celebrities play in public discourse.

This site aims to document this phenomenon factually and without judgment, creating a record that allows visitors to draw their own conclusions about what these statements mean - and whether they should be taken seriously.