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Her condemnation of looters has led some to highlight a striking contrast to her stance during the 2020 Black Lives Matter (BLM) riots, when widespread looting and destruction plagued American cities.
During the BLM protests following the tragic death of George Floyd, Roberts was an outspoken supporter of the movement. On May 29, 2020, the actress posted:
“White privilege is real. Take a minute to consider a Black person’s experience today. #BlackLivesMatter.”
Her solidarity with the cause was praised by progressive circles but criticized by those who viewed the protests as a catalyst for unchecked lawlessness. The protests, which began peacefully, devolved into chaos in some areas, resulting in an estimated $1 to $2 billion in property damage from arson, vandalism, and looting.
The scale of destruction during those riots stands in stark contrast to Roberts’ recent condemnation of looting, leading critics to question why her outrage appears to have surfaced only when the crimes hit closer to home.
Roberts has long been a polarizing figure in American politics. Her advocacy for women’s rights and progressive values reached new heights during the 2024 presidential election, when she appeared in a campaign ad urging women to vote Democrat — and not to tell their husbands.
“In the one place in America where women still have a right to choose, you can vote any way you want, and no one will ever know,” Roberts said in the ad supporting Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz. She concluded with the slogan:
“Remember, what happens in the booth stays in the booth. Vote Harris-Walz.”
The ad sparked a backlash, with critics accusing Roberts of undermining family values and promoting secrecy in marriages.
The stark difference in Roberts’ reactions to looting has ignited discussions on social media, with some accusing the actress of hypocrisy. While she publicly mourned the plight of communities impacted by systemic racism in 2020, her latest post takes an entirely different tone when the looting involves her Hollywood peers.
“Why wasn’t she this outraged when small businesses were being destroyed during the riots?” asked one Twitter user.
Others came to her defense, noting that the devastation caused by the wildfires adds a layer of vulnerability to the situation.
Roberts’ recent remarks highlight the complicated intersection of celebrity activism and real-world consequences. While her advocacy for social justice and climate relief remains steadfast, critics argue that selective outrage undermines her credibility.
As the conversation continues, one thing is clear: the contrast between Roberts’ stances during different periods of looting offers a glimpse into the broader societal divide over issues of privilege, activism, and accountability.
Whether intentional or not, Julia Roberts has once again found herself at the center of a national conversation — one that’s far from over.
