Eric Swalwell found himself at home among Hollywood’s progressive stars, and they responded by generously financing his bid for California governor.
The congressman, known for his liberal stance, managed to gather over $100,000 from donors within the entertainment sector before his campaign dramatically unraveled on Sunday.
As Swalwell faces the end of his political journey amid allegations of sexual assault, the previously vocal Hollywood supporters have noticeably retreated into silence.
Among those who rallied behind Swalwell were prominent figures such as Sean Penn, Robert De Niro, and Jane Fonda.
Penn, known for his vocal criticism of Trump and his liberal activism, contributed a substantial $15,000 to Swalwell’s campaign, according to financial disclosures.
Robert De Niro, celebrated for roles in classics like “The Godfather” and “Casino,” donated $10,000, as did Jon Hamm of “Mad Men” fame and Jon Cryer from “Two and a Half Men.”
The soon-to-be-former congressman, 45, was well-known as a political Hollywood fan boy – regularly skipping votes in the House to mingle with celebs at events such as the February premiere of “White Lotus” in Los Angeles.
The hit show’s producer, David Bernad, donated a combined $20,000, along with producers Shawn Ryan of “The Night Agent” and Alex Baskin of “Vanderpump Rules” and “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.”
D-list comedian Kathy Griffin gave $10,000, while Bryan Lourd, CEO of Creative Artists Agency, rounded out the crowd of Hollywood heavyweights backing Swalwell with a $12,500 contribution.
Emails to the Hollywood stars’ representatives were not immediately returned.
Swalwell’s career ended in spectacular fashion Monday after announced his resignation from Congress Monday afternoon, also ending his frontrunner bid for California governor after allegations that he raped and sexually harassed women.
And a blame game has begun among the Tinseltown set – with one insider claims Swalwell’s bad behavior was an open secret, Page Six reported.
“There are a lot of powerful people in this city that validated this guy and enabled him to get as far as he did,” one LA political consultant told Page Six.
Swalwell was accused of raping a former staffer after a charity event in 2024 and making creepy advances towards several other woman, including unsolicited pics of his genitals sent through Snapchat.
The former staffer claims she was left bruised and bleeding after Swalwell assaulted her while she was intoxicated.
The dismayed LA political insider noted to Page Six that Swalwell’s bad behavior with women “wasn’t some huge secret.”
“Hollywood needs to take a hard look in the mirror because this community – right or wrong – is still essential in determining who gets to have power in this country and in this state,” the LA political consultant told Page Six.
Hollywood is now believed to be at a loss over who to support instead in the high-stakes governor’s race.
Bad tempered contender Katie Porter collected $7,600 from Fonda, with actress Rene Russo and legendary TV producer Marcy Carsey donating a combined $20,000.
Eight Dems, including former Rep. Katie Porter, billionaire Tom Steyer, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and former state AG Xavier Becerra, are now scrambling to win the support of betrayed Swalwell backers.
