The Rock commits to the people in response to pro-Trump CEO

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, included this picture with his message.

DWAYNE 'THE ROCK' JOHNSON repudiated the apparent pro-Trump statements made by Under Armour's CEO, Kevin Plank.

In an interview with CNBC on Tuesday, Plank called President Donald Trump "highly passionate" and a "real asset" to the country.

Johnson, one of the most popular actors worldwide and who is one of the talent "partners" with Under Armour, felt a need to create some distance with Plank and his own personal beliefs. Although in past interviews, the Samoan/American actor has stated an interest in one day entering politics, not much has been said about his political leanings.

He tweeted the accompanying picture of him in his gym with the lengthy explanation of his political position:

I appreciate and welcome the feedback from people who disagree (and agree) with Kevin Plank's words on CNBC, but these are neither my words, nor my beliefs. His words were divisive and lacking in perspective. Inadvertently creating a situation where the personal political opinions of UA’s partners and its employees were overshadowed by the comments of its CEO. 

A good company is not solely defined by its CEO. A good company is not defined by the athlete or celebrity who partners with them. A good company is not a single person. A good company is a team, a group of brothers and sisters committed to working together each and every day to provide for their families and one another and the clients they serve. 

We don’t partner with a brand casually. I partner with brands I trust and with people who share my same values. That means a commitment to diversity, inclusion, community, open-mindedness and some serious hard work. But it doesn't mean that I or my team will always agree with the opinion of everyone who works there, including its executives. 

Great leaders inspire and galvanize the masses during turbulent times, they don't cause people to divide and disband. My responsibility here is not only to the global audience we serve, but also to the thousands of workers who pour blood, sweat, and tears into making Under Armour strong. A diverse group of hardworking men and women who possess integrity, respect and compassion for one another and the world they live in. 

Debate is healthy. But in a time of widespread disagreement, so is loyalty. I feel an obligation to stand with this diverse team, the American and global workers, who are the beating heart and soul of Under Armour and the reason I chose to partner with them. My commitment is as real as my sweat and callouses that thicken daily. #CommittedToThePeople

Johnson wasn't the only creative partner who felt the need to separate themselves from Plank's pro-Trump statement.

One of the first to express his disappointment with Plank's words was the NBA's MVP, Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors. He said he was surprised by Plank's comments. 

"We share a lot of the same values when it comes to being a good human being," said Curry in an interview in the East Bay Times. "Understanding inclusiveness, equality, diversity. Every mantra that I live by, they share that."
In an interview with the San Jose Mercury News’ Marcus Thompson on Wednesday (Feb. 8), Curry said that he agreed with Plank’s description of Trump “if you remove the ‘et’” from asset.”

Ballet dancer Misty Copeland posted on Instagram to say she had reached out to Plank directly, in hope that he “take public action to clearly communicate and reflect our common values in order for us to effectively continue to work towards our shared goal of trying to motivate ALL people to be their best selves.”

Actress Emmy Possum was more direct with her sentiments.

#BoycottUnderArmour began trending on Twitter. Under Armour's other clients around the world  began expressing their disagreement with Plank.

The athletic wear company began trying to patch up the damage done by Plank's statements by releasing its own statement Wednesday.  

“We engage in policy, not politics,” the statement read before talking about politics.

“Under Armour and Kevin Plank are for job creation and American manufacturing capability,” the statement continued. “We believe building should be focused on much needed education, transportation, technology and urban infrastructure investment. We are against a travel ban and believe that immigration is a source of strength, diversity and innovation for global companies based in America like Under Armour.”

Under Armour's relationship with Curry is critical to the company's success. 

"If I can say the leadership is not in line with my core values, then there is no amount of money, there is no platform I wouldn't jump off," he told The Mercury News.

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