An outspoken advocate of “responsible gun ownership,” Matthew McConaughey shot down The View’s Joy Behar when she pushed a question on Texas and anti-gun laws.
Only moments after giving the co-host a foot rub, she asked the 54-year-old sex symbol about his position on guns, prompting him to make a very pointed statement.
Keep reading to learn what happened on The View!
The May 2022 shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas struck quite literally close to home for the 54-year-old actor Matthew McConaughey, who is a native of the city.
After the incident, where 19 students and two teachers were killed by an 18-year-old former student at Robb Elementary School, McConaughey joined a briefing at the White House, pleading with Americans to “renegotiate our wants from our needs.”
“We need responsible ownership, we need background checks. We need to raise the minimum to purchase an AR 15 rifle to 21. We need a waiting period for those rifles. We need red flag laws and consequences for those who abuse them, these are reasonable, practical, tactical regulations,” he said.
The Oscar-winning actor adds, “Responsible gun owners are fed up with the Second Amendment being abused and hijacked by some deranged individuals.”
McConaughey and his wife, Camila Alves, have since launched the Greenlights Grant Initiative, which, according to the website, “creates safer school environments and ensure the well-being of our children.”
Not ‘alright, alright, alright’
In the fall of 2023, McConaughey appeared on The View, promoting his children’s book “Just Because.”
Fielding questions from the panelists, while also giving co-host Joy Behar foot massage, the Texas native talked about the book and his three kids.
Then, Sunny Hostin flipped the script and praised McConaughey for being “so outspoken against violence, and gun violence in particular.
“In 2021, you considered a run for governor of the state of Texas before deciding to focus on your family. Do you think political office is in your future?” Hostin asked the man, who two years before considered running for governor in his home state.
The Ghosts of Girlfriends Past star replied, “If it’s where I would deem myself most useful, yes. Right now, I want to be most useful as a father.”
Afterwards, Behar circled back to the subject and seemed to hit a nerve with the star of Dallas Buyers Club. In the now-viral video, the conversation got intense.
Further pushing the conversation about politics and guns, Behar asked: “Do you think you could get elected in Texas being anti-gun?”
Repeating her question before he responded, McConaughey said, “One thing about me and politics, to give you a direct statement right there, is me playing a game.” Next, still sounding like a perfect gentleman, he shook his finger at her and added, “I’m not interested in playing.”
“Ok, don’t do it,” Behar said.
After the break, Hostin tried to make peace: “I did want to say that I’ve done a lot of research in terms of your advocacy, and I don’t know that you’re anti-gun, I think you’re pro-gun responsibility and legislation.”
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Matthew McConaughey’s appearance on The View sparked significant conversation as he tackled the sensitive issue of gun control while promoting his children’s book. Known for his balanced and thoughtful approach, the actor has consistently advocated for responsible gun ownership rather than promoting an outright anti-gun stance. His exchange with co-host Joy Behar showcased McConaughey’s nuanced perspective, particularly when Behar pressed him on whether he could be elected in Texas with anti-gun views.
McConaughey’s response highlighted his refusal to be pigeonholed into political games. Despite Behar’s push, the actor skillfully sidestepped the idea that he was anti-gun, emphasizing instead his advocacy for what he called “reasonable, practical, tactical regulations,” such as background checks, red flag laws, and raising the minimum age for purchasing AR-15 rifles.
His refusal to engage in polarizing rhetoric reflects his broader stance on the issue. McConaughey has repeatedly emphasized the need for dialogue that doesn’t demonize either side of the gun debate but rather focuses on common-sense regulations that protect communities while respecting the rights of responsible gun owners. This middle-ground approach may explain why his advocacy resonates with many Americans.
The moment on The View also highlighted McConaughey’s ongoing dedication to advocacy beyond the entertainment world. His Greenlights Grant Initiative, launched with his wife Camila Alves, is one example of how he’s working toward tangible solutions that prioritize the safety and well-being of children. The initiative is focused on creating safer schools and ensuring children grow up in environments that foster health and education, a cause close to McConaughey’s heart.
Fans of McConaughey appreciated how he handled the tense moment with Behar, maintaining his signature cool demeanor while making his point clear. As Sunny Hostin noted after the break, McConaughey is not anti-gun but pro-responsibility—a position that strikes a chord with many Americans who feel similarly about the balance between gun rights and public safety.
In the end, McConaughey remains a voice for measured dialogue in a country often divided on gun control. Whether or not he pursues a political career remains to be seen, but his continued advocacy for common-sense reforms will likely keep him at the forefront of important national conversations.
What are your thoughts on McConaughey’s approach to responsible gun ownership and his advocacy for safer communities? Let us know in the comments, and feel free to share this story to hear others’ opinions as well!
