It’s no secret that Hollywood and the Biden administration have close ties.
From the inauguration to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner to BTS, Matthew McConaughey and the cast of “Ted Lasso” joining press briefings, Washington has been packed with A-listers in President Joe Biden’s two-and-a-half years in office.
Can that continue through controversy?
That was the question to answer Thursday, as Biden hosted the third state dinner of his presidency, this time welcoming Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Many prominent stars lean left, and the prime minister has faced criticism from liberals for what the State Department has called “significant human rights issues.” Not to mention for his relationship with former President Donald Trump.
Celebrities who attended: Billie Jean King, M. Night Shyamalan, Ralph Lauren, more
Celebrities largely shied away from attending Thursday night’s dinner.
Film director M. Night Shyamalan, tennis star Billie Jean King, fashion designer Ralph Lauren were the most notable names on the White House’s guest list.
Shyamalan previously worked with the Biden campaign in 2020 for a filmmaking contest to encourage Americans to vote in the presidential election. King has previously expressed support for Biden and last year co-hosted an event with the first lady to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Title IX. Lauren has designed wardrobes for the Bidens on several occasions, including Joe Biden at his inauguration, granddaughter Naomi Biden at her wedding, and Jill Biden for Thursday’s state dinner, as he told reporters.
Other Hollywood-adjacent names included celebrity self-help guru Jay Shetty, Apple CEO Tim Cook (who previously attended the France state dinner last year), “30 Rock” actor Maulik Pancholy, singer Vidya Iyer, fashion designer Reem Acra, Christian Dior creative director Maria Grazi Chiuri and violinist Joshua Bell, who performed for dinner guests.
“It’s always wonderful to receive an invitation from the White House,” says Anita McBride, former chief of staff to Laura Bush. “A state dinner is at the top of the list of the most-coveted of invitations. It’s really sort of an extraordinary example of how the White House is open to people to be able to come.”
Who’s missing from the White House guest list?
As for Thursday’s India state dinner, it’s difficult to know if bigger-name stars were invited but declined due to controversy, scheduling conflicts or the idea that an invite to the third state dinner of the Biden administration isn’t as flashy as the first.
The previous two state dinners were held Dec. 1, 2022, and April 26, 2023, respectively. The timing of this event, as June winds down, means vacations for many, and prior engagements could have kept some stars from attending.
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While notable Bollywood stars have been split in their stances on Modi, few major American celebrities have outwardly criticized him, and none have spoken out about the state dinner itself. Comedian Hasan Minhaj said in 2019 he was barred from entering and covering a joint rally in Texas with Modi and Trump. Singer Rihanna also faced pushback from the Indian government in 2021 after drawing attention on Twitter to massive farmer protests in India.
Plus, it’s not as simple as assuming that the invite list would be full of the most notable Indian-American stars.
At previous dinners, only a few celebrities had ties to the countries represented.
When Biden honored President Emmanuel Macron of France, only fashion designer Christian Louboutin, who is French, and Emmy-winner Julia Louis-Dreyfus, whose father was French, were sprinkled in among recognizable names like actress Jennifer Garner, GOT-winner John Legend and wife Chrissy Teigen, Vogue editor Anna Wintour, Cook and Grammy-winner Jon Batiste. And when Biden welcomed South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, guests Olympic snowboarder Chloe Kim and “Fixer Upper” star Joanna Gaines, who both have parents born in South Korea, were part of a lesser star-powered group made up of Angelina Jolie and Broadway performers Lea Salonga, Jessica Vosk and Norm Lewis.
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Why is Modi controversial?
The Biden administration wants to deepen its partnership with India, a partner in countering China’s rising economic and military might. But the relationship is a balancing act for Biden who has promised to prioritize human rights in his foreign policy.
The State Department has called out “significant human rights issues” in India as well as an increase in religious intolerance toward minorities and restrictions on the media. India has also maintained its trade relationship with Russia while offering only limited criticism of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“We strongly urge you to use your meetings with Prime Minister Modi to urge Modi to move his government and his party in a different direction,” Elaine Pearson, the Asia director for Human Rights Watch, wrote in a letter to Biden this month.
White House spokesman John Kirby told reporters Tuesday that Biden “routinely raises issues of concern to us” when dealing with foreign leaders. India, he said, has shown a growing willingness “to join the United States to help protect and advance some shared common values.”
“It’s really about sending a message to the Indian people that we put a premium on this relationship,” Kirby said of the state visit. “We know how important it’s going to be to the future, and we’re committed.”
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