In an unexpected turn of events, renowned actor Richard Gere, famous for cult films such as Pretty Woman and An Officer and a Gentleman , has decided to leave the United States with his family and settle in Spain. In a recent interview, Gere explained that this seemingly definitive decision was motivated by a number of factors, including his dissatisfaction with the direction of the country and, surprisingly, mentions of Elon Musk.

Richard Gere, 74, has been vocal about his disappointment with the current political and social climate in the United States. According to the actor, extreme polarization, cultural changes and what he describes as a “loss of core values” influenced his decision to leave his home country.

“America is no longer what it once was. The essence of community and compassion that once defined this country is gone,” Gere said.

What caught the most attention, however, was his mention of Elon Musk, the tech mogul and CEO of Tesla, SpaceX and now owner of X (formerly Twitter).

Gere suggested that the growing dominance of figures like Musk in American society was part of his frustration. While he did not detail what aspects of Musk bothered him, the actor did mention that the outsized influence of tech billionaires in politics, media and everyday life is turning America into an “unrecognizable” place.

“If a single person can control public opinion and influence global opinion with a single tweet, that says a lot about the direction the world is going. I don’t want my children to grow up in a place where corporations and tech moguls have more power than democratic governments,” Gere said.

Richard Gere and his Spanish wife Alejandra Silva have decided to move to a small town in Galicia, a region in the north of Spain known for its tranquillity and cultural richness. The couple, who have two small children, are looking for a simpler life, more connected to nature.

“The peace and pace of life in Spain is exactly what my family needs. Here we can focus on what really matters: family, friends and community,” Gere said.

Gere’s decision sparked a wave of reactions on social media. While some praised his bravery and saw him as a symbol of protest against the current situation in the United States, others criticized him for “giving up” instead of working to change the situation.

“It’s easy to run away when you have millions in the bank. What about those who don’t have this opportunity?” commented one Twitter user.

However, others supported him: “Richard Gere has always been a man of principle. If he believes this is the best path for himself and his family, we should respect that.”

Although Gere has not officially announced his retirement from acting, his move to Spain could mean a step back from the Hollywood spotlight. However, the actor left open the possibility of working on international projects that align with his values.

Richard Gere has always been known for his activism and his strong beliefs. His decision to move to Spain reflects his devotion to his family and his principles. As he leaves the United States behind, his message sounds like a call to reflection on the future of a country that, for some, seems to be losing its way.