Shailene Woodley addresses backlash over sharing Melania Trump’s post

Shailene Woodley saw Melania Trump’s statement as a “beautiful message of human compassion.”

Courtesy: JC Olivera/Getty Images; Sky News Australia

Shailene Woodley is addressing the criticism she faced for sharing a statement by Melania Trump, which was posted in response to the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump. 

In a recent interview with Bustle, Woodley explained that she shared the statement because she viewed it as a "beautiful message of human compassion."

Woodley noted, "I read it and I was like, 'This is so beautiful.'" She elaborated that many of her friends and colleagues reacted to the incident with skepticism, suggesting it could be a setup or conspiracy. Woodley expressed confusion over the response, stating, "Have we forgotten that two human lives were taken?" She emphasized her discomfort with the intense focus on death rather than compassion.

The actress clarified that she only shared the initial part of Melania Trump's message, which she felt was a personal and humanizing account of the former president, rather than the more politically charged final pages. 

Woodley added, "I posted that letter because I thought it was a beautiful message of human compassion," and expressed surprise at the volume of news coverage her post received.

Following the backlash, Woodley said she might reconsider her presence on social media if her intentions are misunderstood. 

The incident occurred after a July 13 rally in Pennsylvania, where shots were fired at Donald Trump, resulting in two fatalities. Melania Trump subsequently condemned the shooter and called for "love, compassion, and kindness."

Woodley, known for her environmental advocacy rather than political endorsements, has not publicly supported any presidential candidate for the upcoming November elections.

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