During a press screening Sunday at the Venice Film Festival of his much-anticipated movie "Wolfs," he addressed his controversial July op-ed published by The New York Times that called on President Biden to drop out of the 2024 presidential race. "I've never had to answer that question, so I suppose I'll do it here," the actor said as the room applauded.
"The person who should be applauded is the president, who did the most selfless thing that anybody's done since George Washington," Clooney said, according to a video shared by Deadline. "All the machinations that got us there, none of that's gonna be remembered and it shouldn't be … What should be remembered is the selfless act of someone who… You know, it's very hard to let go of power. We know that. We've seen it all around the world. And for someone to say, 'I think there's a better way forward,' all the credit goes to him, and that's really the truth."
In July, Clooney sparked controversy over the op-ed move, in which he argued the Democratic party needed a new nominee.
"We are not going to win in November with this president. On top of that, we won’t win the House, and we’re going to lose the Senate," wrote Clooney in the New York Times piece. "This isn't only my opinion; this is the opinion of every senator and congress member and governor that I've spoken with in private. Every single one, irrespective of what he or she is saying publicly."
Clooney, a self-described lifelong Democrat, was among a group of A-list celebrities that co-hosted a glitzy Hollywood fundraiser last month for Biden's campaign that brought in $30 million.
George Clooney signs autographs at the Casino pier during the 81st Venice International Film Festival at Venice Lido, on Sept. 1, 2024. MARCO BERTORELLO, AFP via Getty Images
But in his op-ed, Clooney said Biden was not the same person at the fundraiser in Los Angeles that he’s known for years, writing that the one battle Biden can’t win is the "fight against time."
"This isn’t only my opinion; this is the opinion of every senator and congress member and governor that I’ve spoken with in private. Every single one, irrespective of what he or she is saying publicly," Clooney wrote.
On July 23, Clooney commended President Joe Biden's decision to exit the 2024 race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris' bid.
"President Biden has shown what true leadership is," Clooney said in a statement to CNN . "He’s saving democracy once again. We’re all so excited to do whatever we can to support Vice President Harris in her historic quest."
George Clooney denies report claiming he earned $35M for 'Wolfs'
George Clooney and Brad Pitt arrive at the Casino pier during the Venice Film Festival on Sept. 1, 2024. MARCO BERTORELLO, AFP via Getty Images
On Sunday, while promoting his upcoming new film "Wolds" with co-star Brad Pitt in Venice, Clooney addressed a recent report from The New York Times claiming the actors were each paid "more than $35 million each."
Clooney said it was "an interesting article and whatever her source was for our salary, it is millions and millions and millions of dollars less than what was reported. And I am only saying that because I think it’s bad for our industry if that’s what people think is the standard bearer for salaries."
"I think that’s terrible, it’ll make it impossible to make films," he added.
Contributing: Joey Garrison, Sudiksha Kochi , Pamela Avila, USA TODAY
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