Content Advisory: This article discusses political campaigning, public criticism, firearms, safety concerns, and celebrity endorsements. Reader discretion is advised.
Spencer Pratt’s run for mayor of Los Angeles keeps getting stranger, louder, and a lot more Hollywood.
The former ‘The Hills’ star announced in January that he was entering the race against incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and Councilmember Nithya Raman. With the city’s primary election set for June 2, Pratt is now talking about the famous names he claims have shown support behind the scenes.
In a new interview, Pratt said two Oscar winners gave him a vote of confidence: Leonardo DiCaprio and Jamie Foxx.
“Usually I don’t name-drop, but I had two of my favorite people ever support me,” Pratt said. “Leonardo DiCaprio and Jamie Foxx both said, ‘Please, Mr. Mayor, we want these streets safe again.’”
Then he added a backup plan. “If their reps try to deny this happened, I have multiple witnesses.”
Pratt Calls Celebrity Support An ‘Out-Of-Body Experience’
Pratt described the alleged support as “an out-of-body experience.”
DiCaprio has not publicly addressed the claim. Still, Pratt’s campaign has already pulled attention from several familiar names.
Music executive Lucian Grainge, Lakers CEO Jeanie Buss, and Oscar-winning producer Brian Grazer have reportedly been tied to his circle of backers. Paris Hilton, Big Sean, and Jenny McCarthy have also boosted his campaign online. David Foster and Katharine McPhee even hosted a fundraiser for Pratt at their home earlier this month.
For a reality TV figure running for one of America’s most visible city jobs, the celebrity pile-on is part of the spectacle. Pratt knows the cameras are watching. He also knows Hollywood names help keep the story moving.
Not Everyone Wants A Reality Star Mayor
The support has not stopped the criticism.
Lisa Rinna recently made it clear she is not sold on another reality TV personality entering public office. When asked who should become Los Angeles’ next mayor, the ‘Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills’ alum said she was undecided, but she shut down one category fast. “Not a reality star,” she said. “I’m sorry. I love him, but we already tried that before. We don’t need to do it again.”
Drew Carey has been even more direct. He urged voters not to back Pratt and called for people to choose someone more qualified. “I understand being angry/unsatisfied, but at least get behind someone competent,” Carey wrote.
Pratt Explains His Republican Identity
Pratt has also addressed why he identifies as a Republican.
He said the decision grew partly from safety concerns after years in the public eye. According to Pratt, he and wife Heidi Montag received death threats and were advised by security to buy firearms.
He said the process of seeking concealed carry permits helped shape his political alignment, since he views that issue as more strongly supported by Republicans.
Now, Pratt’s campaign sits in a very unusual place: part celebrity spectacle, part crime-and-safety pitch, part reality TV comeback story.
Whether voters take it seriously is another question. But with DiCaprio and Foxx now part of the conversation, Pratt has once again found a way to make himself impossible to ignore.
