Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, the world’s highest paid actor, has gone public on his family’s struggle with the Coronavirus. The ex-wrestling star has a history of honesty about his private life, opening up about being evicted at age 14 and his struggle with long term physical injury.
Speaking from his home in Powder Springs, Johnson described how his wife Lauren Hashian, their daughters Jasmine and Tiana, and himself all caught the virus from close friends. ‘We’re counting our blessings right now’ he explains, with all the family on the road to recovery. Johnson offers his advice for those in areas affected by the virus: ‘Be disciplined… be extra cautious, don’t let your guard down. Boost your immunity with antioxidants, your vitamins of that nature’.
Johnson also used the video as a platform to challenge the political atmosphere surrounding the virus, saying:
‘It baffles me that some people out there, including some politicians, will take this idea of wearing masks and make it a political agenda’
While not directed at anyone in particular, President Donald Trump’s comments on masks spring to mind. The politician sparked controversy in August by claiming the virus will ‘go away’. There have been 4.8 million confirmed cases in the USA.
Johnson argues politics isn’t helping the situation:
‘It has nothing to do with politics. Wear your mask, it is a fact, and it is the right thing to do, and it’s the responsible thing to do, not only for yourself but for your family and your loved ones.’
The actor says he understands people with lung conditions having reservations about masks. He also points out how his mother wears one despite losing much of her lungs to cancer.
Recent years have seen several stars shot down for airing their political views in public, and Johnson is quick to say ‘I’m not a politician’. Yet, his ‘people’s champ’ reputation shines through as he calls for unity in the face of a universal challenge.
‘I’m not a politician. I’m a man, though, who cares about his family deeply and will do everything he can to protect them. But I’m also a man who cares about all of you guys. I don’t care what political party you’re affiliated with. I don’t care what part of the world you’re from. I don’t care what your skin colour is, what your job is, what your bank account says, I don’t care. I do care about all of you and I do not want you or your entire family to get COVID-19.’
Will The Rock be our first fast and furious president? Time will tell, in the meantime do yourself a favour, wear a mask.
