A viral rumor claiming that Hollywood actor Richard Gere is leaving the United States and relocating to Spain due to Donald Trump’s reelection in the 2024 presidential election has been making waves online. The speculation began with a Facebook post by SpaceX Fanclub on November 26, 2024, which stated:
“Richard Gere followed Ellen and is moving to Spain! Hollywood Elites are hiding.”
The claim drew comparisons to similar rumors about Ellen DeGeneres, who was speculated to be moving to the UK with her wife, Portia de Rossi, after Trump’s victory. However, just like the rumors about Ellen, the claims about Gere remain unverified and largely fabricated.
Debunking the Rumors
The Facebook page SpaceX Fanclub, which initially spread the rumor, is a known source of satirical content. The page’s bio openly admits:
“We post SATIRE, nothing on this page is real.”
Despite this clear disclaimer, the post gained traction across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Threads, with many users debating its validity. However, there is no evidence to suggest that Gere is relocating due to political reasons, and the actor himself has made no statements supporting the claim.
Richard Gere’s Actual Reason for Moving to Spain
While Richard Gere has indeed mentioned plans to move to Spain, the motivation behind his relocation has nothing to do with Trump’s reelection. The actor spoke about the move during a November 20, 2024, appearance on Today, attributing the decision to his wife, Alejandra Silva, who is Spanish. Gere explained that the relocation is motivated by a desire to connect with her family, culture, and community.
In a subsequent interview with Elle Spain during the ELLE for Future 2024 event in Madrid on November 27, Gere praised Spain’s strong sense of community, saying:
“People care about each other. In my part of the world, those kinds of bonds, social and community bonds, are breaking down.”
Gere also revealed on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon that his wife had spent seven years living in the US, and they decided to reciprocate by spending time in her homeland.
The SpaceX Fanclub page has a history of publishing false claims about celebrities. It has previously fabricated stories about Bruce Springsteen, Robert De Niro, and Megan Rapinoe leaving the US for political reasons, all of which have been debunked. This latest post about Gere is simply another addition to their collection of satire.
The rumor about Richard Gere moving to Spain due to Donald Trump’s reelection is entirely baseless. While the actor is indeed planning a move, the reasons are personal and centered around family, not politics. The viral Facebook post is a product of satire, reminding readers to verify sensational claims before believing or sharing them.