Eric Clapton performed at a fundraiser for presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on a private estate in Brentwood, near Los Angeles.
The event raised $2.2 million for Kennedy: $1 million for the campaign and $1.2 million for a PAC supporting the candidate.
“I am deeply grateful to Eric Clapton for bringing his musical artistry and rebellious spirit to my meeting in Los Angeles last night,” Kennedy said in a statement. “I sometimes think that in our divided society it is music rather than any form of intellectual agreement that has the most potential to bring us together again.”
The presidential candidate continued, “Eric sings from the depths of the human condition. If he sees in me the opportunity to bring unity to our country, it is only possible because artists like him rely on a hidden belief in the limitless power of people to overcome any obstacle.”
Clapton joins a growing list of celebrities who have spoken out in support of Kennedy, including the candidate’s wife, Cheryl Hines, Rob Schneider and Alicia Silverstone. The Control your enthusiasm actress posted a photo with Woody Harrelson on Kennedy’s Instagram in August, but the actor insisted in a statement USA today that the photo was not necessarily an endorsement.
“Bobby is a personal friend,” he says told the publication in a statement through his representative. “I don’t support candidates from either party because I’m an anarchist.”
Clapton, Kennedy and Harrelson have all spoken out against COVID-19 vaccines and contributed to the spread of conspiracy theories. The “Wonderful Tonight” singer received the AstraZeneca vaccines and said he had “severe reactions” that left him worried he wouldn’t be able to play guitar again, despite CDC studies showing the vaccine was safe.
In February, Harrelson devoted part of his opening monologue to Saturday evening live Questioning COVID-19 mandates and poking fun at coronavirus conspiracy theories.
