Eric Clapton performed at a fundraiser for presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at 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 gathering in Los Angeles last night,” Kennedy said in a statement. “I sometimes think that in our divided society, it is music rather than any kind 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 possibility of bringing unity to our country, it is only possible because artists like him invoke a buried faith in the limitless power of human beings 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 Curb Your Enthusiasm actress posted a photo with Woody Harrelson on Kennedy’s Instagram in August, but the actor insisted in a statement to USA Today that the photo wasn’t necessarily an endorsement.
“Bobby is a personal friend,” he told the publication in a statement through his representative. “I don’t endorse candidates from either party because I’m an anarchist.”
Clapton, Kennedy and Harrelson have all been outspoken against COVID-19 vaccines and have contributed to the spread of conspiracy theories. The “Wonderful Tonight” singer received the AstraZeneca vaccines and said he had “severe reactions” that made him worried he wouldn’t play the guitar again, despite CDC trials finding the vaccine safe.
In February, Harrelson spent a chunk of his opening monologue on Saturday Night Live questioning COVID-19 mandates and joking about conspiracy theories surrounding the coronavirus.
