In an unexpected turn of events, renowned actor Richard Gere, famous for iconic 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 decision, apparently definitive, is motivated by a series of factors that include his discontent with the direction of the country and, surprisingly, mentions of Elon Musk.

At 74, Richard Gere has openly expressed his disenchantment 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 fundamental values” have influenced his decision to leave his homeland.

“America is no longer the place it used to be. The essence of community and compassion that once defined this country has vanished,” 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 hinted that the growing dominance of figures like Musk in American society is part of his frustration. While he did not specifically detail what aspects of Musk concern 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.

“When a single individual can control the public narrative and shape 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 wife, Alejandra Silva, who is Spanish, have decided to move to a small town in Galicia, a region in the north of Spain known for its tranquility and cultural richness. The couple, who share two young children, are looking for a simpler life that is 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 has sparked a wave of reactions on social media. While some applaud his bravery and see him as a symbol of protest against the current state of affairs in the United States, others criticize him for “quitting” 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 that option?” one Twitter user commented.

Others, however, supported him: “Richard Gere has always been a man of principles. 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 away 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 convictions. His decision to move to Spain is a reflection of his commitment to his family and his principles. As he leaves the United States behind, his message resonates as a call to reflection on the future of a country that, for some, seems to be losing its way.