Yellowstone’s Kevin Costner Once Found Himself In Hot Water Because of Liz Cheney
Kevin Costner, best known for his roles in Yellowstone and films like Dances with Wolves and The Bodyguard, found himself in the midst of a political controversy in recent years due to his support for Republican politician Liz Cheney. While Costner has always been open about his independent political views, the backlash he faced for backing Cheney, especially during her campaign for re-election as Wyoming’s Representative, made headlines.
In 2020, Costner shared with The Daily Beast that he identified as an independent voter, explaining that he believed both major political parties had their flaws. He had shown support for Democratic candidates like Barack Obama and Pete Buttigieg in the past. However, when Cheney, the daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney, ran for a second term in Congress, Costner threw his weight behind her, expressing admiration for her political stance.
In August 2022, Cheney posted a photo of Costner wearing a T-shirt with the slogan “I’m for Liz Cheney.” The post, which came with the caption “Real men put country over party,” sparked a wave of criticism from people who didn’t share Costner’s political views. Some social media users altered Costner’s image in mocking ways, and others voiced their disapproval directly, stating that Costner’s support for Cheney had tainted his image in their eyes. One comment even claimed, “Real men are not Hollywood actors,” and another expressed frustration by saying, “I really loved him in Yellowstone, but now this has ruined it for me!”
Despite the harsh comments, Costner remained unapologetic about his public support for Cheney. In an interview with USA Today in November 2022, he expressed that he wasn’t bothered by the backlash, stating, “I didn’t really care how the cookie crumbles, that people that liked me now don’t like me.” Even after Cheney’s defeat in her re-election bid, Costner stood by his decision. He emphasized that his endorsement was a sign of his respect for her “brave, clear-headed stance” and his desire to show appreciation for her actions.
Costner’s support didn’t stop with her campaign. In the aftermath of Cheney’s feud with former President Donald Trump, the tensions escalated in October 2024 when Trump insulted Cheney during an interview, calling her “dumb” and suggesting she be placed in a position where guns would be trained on her. Costner strongly condemned Trump’s remarks, defending Cheney’s courage. “I’m very proud of Liz Cheney,” he said on The Michael Smerconish Program in November 2024. “She was willing to stand up, and we should applaud her… This woman should never be threatened.”
Though Costner’s political stances may have alienated some fans, particularly those who loved his portrayal of John Dutton on Yellowstone, the actor’s firm commitment to his beliefs and support for Cheney remains a significant part of his recent public life.
