In the age of coronavirus, as Americans are hunkered down in their homes, fearing for their health, their jobs, and what the future holds, celebrities have been posting some incredibly tone deaf things on social media.
Enter billionaire entertainment mogul David Geffen. The music and film producer posted a picture last week of where he’s suffering through his self-quarantine — aboard a superyacht “isolated in the Grenadines,” a gorgeous spot in the Caribbean.
“Sunset last night… isolated in the Grenadines avoiding the virus. I’m hoping everybody is staying safe,” Geffen wrote on his Instagram.
His 450-foot yacht, called the “Rising Sun,” is worth around $590 million.
After some blowback, Geffen made his account private, the Daily Caller reported. But by then, the tin-earred post was already circulating widely.
“Thanks, David Geffen, for your thoughts,” one Twitterer wrote.
Thanks, David Geffen, for your thoughts. pic.twitter.com/5XTRhGX5OP
— southpaw (@nycsouthpaw) March 28, 2020
Wrote another: “David Geffen’s thought process: ‘Hey you know what, millions are losing their jobs, can’t pay their rent and they’re worried about a deadly pandemic, I bet they’d love to know how I’m doing. Fire up the copter so we can take some more pics of my yacht! They’ll love this!!!'”
The entertainment website TMZ had a funny take: “Under normal circumstances, the Internet would just hate him for flaunting his wealth. But, there’s a new normal in town … so now the Internet is ripping him for bragging that he’s NOT quarantined with 3 screaming kids, a spouse and one in-law in a tiny 2-bedroom apartment in Queens … while terrified of COVID-19,” the site wrote.
And Geffen’s post drew universal scorn across the political spectrum. New Yorker writer Lauren Collins wrote on Twitter simply: “psychopath.”
psychopath pic.twitter.com/0tCQhuuhco
— Lauren Collins (@laurenzcollins) March 28, 2020
Meghan McCain, co-host of “The View,” blasted Geffen, too.
“David Geffen is worth 8 billion dollars!” McCain wrote. “For God’s sake help this country get ventilators, our health workers masks and the medical supplies they need! Or no, just stay on your fucking yacht instagramming. This is just shameful and grotesque.”
David Geffen is worth 8 billion dollars! For God's sake help this country get ventilators, our health workers masks and the medical supplies they need! Or no, just stay on your fucking yacht instagramming. This is just shameful and grotesque. https://t.co/iZ0e5VKLDM
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) March 28, 2020
“Is anyone shocked that Democrat donor David Geffen posted such an out of touch photo? He might as well have taken a picture flipping everyone in America off,” Wrote Robby Starbuck.
Is anyone shocked that Democrat donor David Geffen posted such an out of touch photo? He might as well have taken a picture flipping everyone in America off. pic.twitter.com/wjEgWdLa31
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) March 28, 2020
There have been plenty of other tone-deaf posts from celebrities. Like actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who told us all to stay home — from his hot tub at his mansion, while smoking a cigar.
Stay. At. Home. That means you, too, spring breakers. pic.twitter.com/jUOgjLaOGN
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) March 18, 2020
And then there was Madonna, who posted a weird clip of herself sitting in a bath strewn with rose petals. On coronavirus, she said “it doesn’t care about how rich you are, how famous you are, how funny you are, how smart you are, where you live, how old you are, what amazing stories you can tell.”
But luckily, there’s actor Ryan Reynolds. He posted a hilarious video on Twitter last week in which he mocked celebrities for their grandiosity.
“We need to work to flatten the curve and fight off COVID-19. I think in times of crisis, I think we all know that it’s the celebrities we count on most,” Reynolds said. “They’re the ones that are going to get us through this.
“Right after healthcare workers, of course,” he said. “First responders. People who work in essential services. Ping pong players. Mannequins, they’re great. Childhood imaginary friends, sure. Like 400 other types of people.”
Then he offered some good advice. “Look, stay at home, practice social-distancing, wash your hands. We are gonna get through this thing. We’re gonna get through this thing together,” he concluded.
Another important message from an important celebrity. Let’s spread the word not the virus. I happily nominate, @stevenpage @Sethrogen and @TerryR49776917 #PlankTheCurve #StayAtHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/IRJNI9Y6G9
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) March 23, 2020