Scotland’s independence debate has gripped the world of show business, pitting heavyweights such as Paul McCartney and Sean Connery on opposite sides, but many remain tight-lipped over fears of repercussions.
On Aug. 7, 200 celebrities signed their names to an open letter pleading Scots to remain part of the UK. They included former Beatle McCartney, rocker Mick Jagger, astrophysicist Stephen Hawking and Hollywood stars such as Helena Bonham-Carter, Michael Douglas and Bond actress Judi Dench.
Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling has been one of the most prolific celebrities in the “No” campaign, publishing the reasons for her decision on her Web site and engaging in lively debate on Twitter.
Rowling, who was born in England, but has lived in Edinburgh for 21 years and is married to a Scot, donated ￡1 million (US$1.6 million) to the anti-independence Better Together campaign.
“I doubt whether we will ever have been more popular, or in a better position to dictate terms, than if we vote to stay,” Rowling wrote.
Taking a more humorous tone, Austin Powers actor Mike Myers spoke in the voice of his ogre character Shrek when asked his opinion of the campaign in a radio interview.
“Shrek wants what the will of the Scottish people want,” Myers responded in Shrek’s distinctive Scottish accent.
“I love Scotland. I hope they remain part of Britain — and if they don’t, I still love them,” he added in his native Canadian voice.
Other celebrities have proudly backed the idea of Scotland going it alone.
Former Bond actor Connery said that “as a Scot with a lifelong love of Scotland and the arts, I believe the opportunity of independence is too good to miss.”
British director Ken Loach, known for campaigning on social issues, urged Scotland to break free.
“The English ruling class are such dyed-in-the-wool imperialists that they can’t conceive anything can happen without your approval. But I think: Go for it. Other colonized countries have asserted their independence,” Loach said.
Others remain cautious of expressing a view, wary of attracting anger from the other side of the debate.
Scottish actor and X-Men star James McAvoy has refused to back either the “Yes” or “No” camps, and has criticized the “political bickering ... between both camps.”
“I won’t divulge partly for career preservation,” McAvoy said.
Tennis player Andy Murray has also declined to comment on the referendum.
“I don’t know a whole lot about politics, and I have made that mistake in the past and it’s caused me a headache for seven or eight years of my life and a lot of abuse,” he said at the BNP Paribas Open.
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