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Jon Voight draws flak for narrating RNC intro, Frank Whaley says 'Ray Donovan' co-star slapped him on set

In the video, similar to the clips shared by the official White House account promoting Trump's accomplishments, Voight called POTUS 'a man who cares, a man who loves America and all Americans'

Actor Jon Voight, a well-known supporter of President Donald Trump, faced backlash from social media for narrating a video that kicked off the Republican National Convention on Monday, August 24. In the video, which was similar to a number of clips shared by the official White House account promoting Trump's accomplishments, Voight called the POTUS "a man who cares, a man who loves America and all Americans". He also touted the president's response to the ongoing pandemic gripping the nation at present.

"We all know that it is easy to criticize. It takes a true leader to solve problems," Voight narrated as the video footage showed Trump. "COVID-19. While others criticized without solutions, President Trump's swift action saved lives, and as leading Democrats want to keep businesses closed down, our president is leading a way for a full economic recovery." Apart from listing off a number of themes that the president is likely to echo throughout the convention, the video also took a swipe at prominent Democrats who have posed obstacles and challenges for the president throughout his first term. "Politicians spun their deceptions and obstructed progress," Voight said as the footage of Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA.), House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff (D-CA) and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler (D-NY), who led the impeachment of Trump late last year, rolled.

Voight's narration to the introductory video was a surprise for many, especially after Republican leaders spoke out against the inclusion of celebrities during the Democratic National Convention last week. This led many social media users to slam Voight, who is Angelina Jolie's father for choosing to participate in any way in the RNC. One of the strongest reactions came from actor Frank Whaley, who claimed that Voight had slapped him during the shooting of a show out of anger and although the latter denied doing so, he had photographic evidence to prove it. "F**k Jon Voight. On Ray Donovan he slapped me across the face in the middle of a scene because he couldn’t keep up, then denied doing it. He forgot about the still photographer who was on set. Bottom line: Jon Voight is a major d**k. #RNCConvention2020," he tweeted.

Other social media users also joined the discourse, criticizing the fact that Voight narrated the RNC video. "I can’t believe they gave Jon Voight more time than AOC," wrote a user.

Another commented, "Did Jon Voight just say Trump is even working during this Convention? He is prolly backstage watching people change. #RNCConvention2020."

"Jon Voight getting ready to join the Trump cabinet #RNC2020," wrote another observant.

A user commented: "Jon Voight is the a**hole of James Woods."

"Jon Voight kicks off the RNC with, among other tall tales: 'We chose a man who cares, a man who loves America, a man who loves all Americans.' This would be a very good message if it weren't so easily refutable. #RNCConvention2020," said another.

"GOP Chair Ronna McDaniel mocks the DNC for having a celebrity emcee just minutes after Jon Voight opens the RNC, then implies that unlike Eva Longoria she is a working mother and wife - despite the fact that Eva Longoria is a working mother and wife (with a L'Oreal contract)," wrote another.

"The proceedings opened with mostly dead actor Jon Voight babbling incoherently – and then it all went downhill from there," said one.

However, there were a few Trump supporters, including radio Hugh Hewitt and former deputy assistant to the president, Sebastian Gorka, who praised Voight's introduction to the RNC. "Terrific opening RNC video, narrated by @jonvoight with superb skill. Bravo Jon," wrote Hewitt, while the latter said, "Don’t you just love Jon Voight voicing the convention for President @realDonaldTrump tonight!"