Shailene Woodley is unapologetic about sharing Melania Trump’s statement on the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. The actor, known for her roles in “Divergent” and “Big Little Lies,” received backlash from fans for reposting the former first lady’s open letter on Instagram about the shooting that took place at a campaign rally on July 13. In an interview with Bustle, Woodley defended her decision, calling the first page of Melania Trump’s letter a “beautiful message of human compassion.” She explained that she was moved by the reminder that two lives were taken and was disappointed by the focus on conspiracy theories surrounding the incident.
Melania Trump, who has been relatively quiet during her husband’s 2024 campaign, released a two-page statement on social media following the shooting, where Donald Trump sustained a 3/4-inch ear wound. In her statement, she referred to the suspected gunman as “a monster” and called for love, compassion, kindness, and empathy. Woodley clarified that she only reposted the first page of Melania Trump’s letter, which she believed focused on the personal side of the former president as a husband and grandfather, rather than the political aspects. The actor, who will next star in the Starz drama “Three Women,” said she was not endorsing Melania Trump’s political views by sharing the letter.
Woodley admitted that she discovered the backlash to her reposting only after a friend texted her about it. She expressed frustration at the media coverage surrounding her decision to share Melania Trump’s statement, questioning why her support for a woman expressing gratitude for her husband’s safety had become a controversial topic. Woodley, a California native, is known for her activism and has previously supported Sen. Bernie Sanders for president. Despite her political and social views, she has refrained from making endorsements in recent years. Woodley’s relationship with former fiancé Aaron Rodgers, who has been critical of COVID-19 vaccines, also drew media attention before the couple called off their engagement in 2022 after two years together.
Woodley’s experience with sharing Melania Trump’s statement highlights the challenges of navigating political discussions and public perceptions as a public figure. The actor’s emphasis on the human aspect of tragedies and her aversion to divisive rhetoric reflect her commitment to compassion and empathy. Woodley’s choice to focus on the personal connection in Melania Trump’s letter rather than the political implications showcases her willingness to find common ground and emphasize shared humanity. Despite facing criticism for her actions, Woodley’s decision to share the message for its compassionate message underscores her belief in the importance of kindness and understanding in times of conflict.
In the face of scrutiny and backlash, Shailene Woodley remains steadfast in her values and commitment to advocating for empathy and compassion. Her decision to share Melania Trump’s statement was driven by a deep sense of humanity and a desire to remind others of the human cost of violence. By highlighting the personal side of the former president and emphasizing the need for love and kindness, Woodley aimed to shift the focus away from political divisions and towards shared understanding. The actor’s refusal to apologize for her actions demonstrates her resilience in the face of criticism and her dedication to promoting unity and empathy in a divisive and polarized world.
