Blacklist 2.0: Hollywood Cancels Trump Supporter Sabato

Antonio Sabato, Jr. took the biggest risk of his career four years ago.

He didn’t gain 50 lbs. for a role or hide his handsome visage under layers of makeup. He threw his support behind real estate mogul Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign. Sabato even praised Trump from the Republican National Convention stage.

The former Melrose Place star’s career cratered soon after. Here’s what he told Variety this week:

“I had to sell everything,” Sabato reveals in a phone interview with Variety from his new home in Florida. “I had to pay all my debts. I was blacklisted. All my representatives left me, from agents to managers to commercial agents. I literally had to move, find a new job to survive and take care of my kids. It’s been terrible. It’s mind-blowing. It’s a disgrace. It’s tough, because if you’re in that environment in Hollywood and you have something to say that they don’t like, they’re going to let you know.”

Sound familiar? It should.

Right-leaning stars routinely hide their political leanings for fear of retribution. For years conservative artists gathered under the "Friends of Abe" banner. The once-secretive group let stars who didn’t pledge allegiance to the progressive flag share war stories, bond and network.

Meanwhile, their liberal peers shouted their views for all to see … sans blowback. As it should be, it’s worth noting.

Sabato’s story is infuriating, but it’s hardly new. Every year or so a mainstream Hollywood news outlet will share a similar tale. Select stars hide their conservative views for fear of losing work.

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