Alyssa Milano Unapologetically Defends “MAGA Hat as New White Hood” Remark, Fueling Her Unwavering Activism

Actress and outspoken activist, Alyssa Milano, found herself at the epicenter of a national controversy after her candid tweet comparing the red MAGA hat to the “new white hood.” This bold statement, which she has staunchly refused to retract, not only ignited a fierce debate across social media and news platforms but also resulted in her husband receiving alarming death threats. Despite the intense backlash and personal threats, Milano stands firm in her convictions, reaffirming her stance in an exclusive interview at the BlogHer Health Summit and explaining the deeply personal and political reasons behind her words.

The genesis of Milano’s controversial tweet dates back to January 18, when she watched disturbing videos circulating online. These clips showed a group of boys from Covington Catholic High School, many wearing the distinctive red “Make America Great Again” hats, engaging in a confrontation with a Native American man, Nathan Phillips, in front of the Lincoln Memorial during the Indigenous Peoples March in Washington, D.C. The images of the students, particularly one boy’s smiling face directly in front of Phillips, profoundly disturbed Milano, prompting her to share her visceral reaction on Twitter.

On January 20, 2019, Milano tweeted, “The red MAGA hat is the new white hood. Without white boys being able to empathize with other people, humanity will continue to destroy itself.” This declaration immediately polarized public opinion, drawing both fervent support from those who shared her concerns and furious condemnation from those who deemed her statement inflammatory and unfair. The ensuing social media storm was immense, prompting Milano to further elaborate on her position in an opinion piece for The Wrap on January 23rd. In her article, she meticulously detailed why she would not apologize to the Covington students or anyone else who wore the hats, framing her comparison as a commentary on the symbol’s evolving significance.

Days later, as the keynote speaker at the BlogHer Health summit in Los Angeles, Milano reiterated her unwavering conviction. When asked by HollywoodLife about her controversial tweet, she firmly stated, “I just feel it’s true. If I thought it was sensational or over the top, I would have had a reason to back down.” Her resolve remained unshaken, highlighting her belief that the MAGA hat had transcended its original political slogan to become a symbol deeply associated with divisive and harmful ideologies.

The Evolving Symbolism of the MAGA Hat: A Deeper Look

Milano articulated her perspective on why the red MAGA hat has become such a potent and, in her view, problematic symbol. She observed, “We often see those red hats in our country during instances of racism and misogyny. I have yet to see someone volunteering in a Make America Great Again hat. They’ve become a symbol of hurtful, hurtful policy.” This assessment goes beyond a mere critique of political affiliation; it delves into the perceived operational and symbolic functions of the hat within contemporary American society.

For Milano, the hat signals an endorsement of a specific ideology that, in practice, has been linked to policies and rhetoric she views as racist and sexist. Her critique isn’t aimed solely at individual wearers but at the broader cultural and political message the hat now conveys. She challenged Republicans directly, asserting, “I think that if Republicans don’t believe in white nationalism, they should take them off. The hats are signaling a belief in a certain ideology that is racist and sexist.” This powerful statement underscores her belief that the symbol has been co-opted or has inherently come to represent something far more sinister than just political support for a specific candidate.

Milano’s comparison to the “white hood” of the Ku Klux Klan is intentionally provocative, drawing parallels between historical symbols of hate and what she perceives as a modern equivalent. While the context and direct implications are vastly different, her point lies in the *symbolic function* – how an item of clothing can become a recognizable emblem of exclusion, prejudice, and a lack of empathy towards marginalized communities. This perspective highlights the intense emotional and ideological battle being fought over cultural symbols in America today, where political attire is not merely a fashion statement but a declaration of allegiance and a perceived indicator of one’s values.

The red MAGA hat is the new white hood.

Without white boys being able to empathize with other people, humanity will continue to destroy itself. #FirstThoughtsWhenIWakeUp

— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) January 20, 2019

Beyond Twitter: Milano’s Broader Activism and Fight for Equality

While her MAGA hat comments garnered significant attention, they represent just one facet of Alyssa Milano’s extensive and fervent commitment to social and political activism. Shifting much of her focus from her acting career—she openly admitted to not having watched the Charmed reboot—Milano has become a prominent voice for progressive causes, tirelessly campaigning for candidates and advocating for critical legislative changes. Her activism extends to a wide array of issues, from voting rights to environmental protection, but her most recent efforts have centered intensely on the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) and reproductive rights.

Just days after the BlogHer Summit, Milano, alongside fellow actress Patricia Arquette, embarked on a crucial visit to Capitol Hill on January 30th. Their mission: to speak directly to lawmakers about the urgent importance of ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment. The ERA, a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution designed to guarantee equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex, has been a long-standing battle for women’s rights advocates. Milano’s testimony was particularly poignant during a press conference held at the Capitol, where she declared, “My name is Alyssa Milano and in 2019 I do not have equal rights in the Constitution. That’s right, because I have a vagina I do not have equality and justice.” Her words highlighted the stark reality that, despite significant progress, fundamental constitutional equality for women remains elusive.

Milano passionately articulated the core philosophy behind the ERA campaign. At the BlogHer Summit, she told a crowd of 1,000 women, “As white women, if we’re not going to fight for every woman, including disenfranchised women and women of color, we aren’t going to get this done.” This statement underscores her intersectional approach to feminism, emphasizing the necessity of solidarity across racial and socioeconomic lines to achieve true gender equality. She clarified that the fight for equal rights is “not to be better than men… but so hopefully future generations of women won’t be starting from behind and will be able to rise so much faster.” This vision of an equitable future, where women are not inherently disadvantaged from birth, drives much of her advocacy.

Championing Reproductive Rights and Redefining the Debate

Milano’s activism extends forcefully into the contentious arena of reproductive rights. She expressed profound concern over the federal government and various states actively attempting to roll back access to birth control and abortion. Her questions, posed rhetorically yet pointedly, challenge the underlying motivations of such legislative efforts: “They are trying to take away access to birth control and access to abortion, so do they not want women to have sex? Do they want to take sexual pleasure away from women?” These queries aim to expose what she perceives as a deeper, potentially puritanical, agenda beneath the surface of the “pro-life” movement.

Furthermore, Milano has been instrumental in advocating for a shift in terminology surrounding the abortion debate. She unequivocally stated her refusal to label anyone as “pro-life,” arguing that “we are all pro-life” in the broader sense of valuing human life. Instead, she prefers the term “anti-choice” to describe those who seek to restrict access to abortion. Her reasoning is clear: “These governments are trying to take away choice so I call them ‘anti-choice.’” This semantic reframing is a strategic move to highlight the fundamental issue at stake – a woman’s bodily autonomy and the right to make personal decisions about her health and future, rather than framing the discussion solely around the sanctity of life.

From Hollywood Star to Full-Time Activist: A Personal Transformation

Alyssa Milano’s journey from a celebrated Hollywood actress to a dedicated political and social activist is not merely a career pivot but a profound personal evolution. As a mother of two young children, Elizabella Bugliari, 4, and Milo Bugliari, 7, her commitment to creating a better world for future generations is palpable. While she insists that running for office herself is not on her immediate horizon, she revealed that activism is becoming an increasingly central focus of her life, eclipsing her previous pursuits in the entertainment industry.

Milano articulated her decision with a blend of practicality and idealism: “This is such a huge part of where I am. This is a part of my natural progression. And who wants to grow old in the entertainment industry. Who wants them to have to bring in the filters.” This sentiment reflects a desire to move beyond the superficial pressures and constraints often associated with celebrity culture, seeking a more meaningful and impactful role. For Milano, activism offers an authentic path to engage with the world, using her platform for tangible change rather than fleeting fame. Her transition underscores a growing trend among public figures who leverage their visibility to champion causes they deeply believe in, transforming their personal brands into powerful instruments for social advocacy.

Navigating the 2020 Presidential Race: A Pragmatic Approach

Looking ahead to the tumultuous 2020 presidential race, Alyssa Milano offered a pragmatic and strategic perspective on whom she would support against then-President Donald Trump. Her criterion was refreshingly straightforward: “It will come down to how they perform in the debates. It’s not about their variations in policy. I will support whoever will beat Trump,” Milano told HollywoodLife. This focused approach highlights a broader sentiment among many anti-Trump voters, where the primary objective is to unseat the incumbent, often superseding nuanced policy differences among Democratic candidates.

Milano also considered alternative scenarios, specifically addressing the possibility of Mike Pence becoming the Republican nominee. “That is, if he isn’t out of there by then. I think it’s a different story if it’s Pence by then. I think a lot of the democratic candidates can beat Pence…” she speculated. However, her contemplation of Pence quickly led to a critical, often-overlooked question: “…but has anyone asked the question of how Pence will run the country if he can’t take any meetings with women one on one? Hmm.” This query pointedly references Pence’s well-known personal rule of not dining or attending events alone with any woman other than his wife, Karen Pence. Milano’s raising of this point subtly challenged the practical implications of such a policy for effective governance and collaboration in a diverse political landscape, underscoring her commitment to not just policy, but also inclusive leadership.

Conclusion: An Unyielding Voice for Justice

Alyssa Milano remains an unyielding force in the landscape of American activism. From her controversial remarks about the MAGA hat, which she steadfastly defends as a reflection of its modern symbolism, to her impassioned advocacy for the Equal Rights Amendment and reproductive freedoms, she consistently uses her platform to challenge existing power structures and champion justice. Her transformation from Hollywood star to dedicated activist is a testament to her belief in the power of an individual voice to spark change and hold leaders accountable. Despite the personal attacks and public scrutiny, Milano continues to speak truth to power, embodying the spirit of unapologetic activism for a more equitable future.

To learn more about the campaign to pass the ERA (Equal Rights Amendment), click here.