Breaking Bad star sparks fury as he calls for 'revolution' against 'rich, old, white men' amid Ice controversy

Speaking to Variety on Tuesday evening, Mr Esposito addressed the political tensions surrounding Ice activity in the Minnesota city, which has sparked growing unrest.

His comments, which surfaced online on Wednesday morning, quickly spread across social media, drawing outrage from social media users across the globe.

“They can’t take us all down,” Mr Esposito said during the interview. “If the whole world showed up on Putin’s doorstep or the Iranians’ doorstep or in Washington, they’d kill 500 or 50 million or however many, but the rest of us would survive with a new world.”

The actor insisted that those in positions of power were inadvertently fuelling the very uprising he described.

“This is time for a revolution, and they don’t even know that’s what they’re starting,” he told the publication. “We have to stand up to it.”

Mr Esposito acknowledged that such mass resistance could come at a devastating human cost, but maintained that survivors would ultimately prevail and shape a different future.

He directed pointed criticism at those he believes are responsible for the current climate, accusing wealthy and powerful figures of deliberately fostering division.

“Some very rich, old, white men are exerting their power to suppress our own people, thus creating a feeling of civil war in the streets,” he said.

The actor went further, alleging that these individuals were actively encouraging hostility and violence among their supporters.

“Preparing the haters to hate, teaching them how to shoot, they’re not even trained right, to kill,” he continued.

NEW: Breaking Bad star Giancarlo Esposito says it's time for a "revolution," says some people would die, but "the rest of us" would survive.

"They can't take us all down. If the whole world showed up... in Washington, they'll kill a 500, 50 million or however..."

"But the rest… pic.twitter.com/66FykhfyO2

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 29, 2026

Mr Esposito described the situation as deeply troubling, calling it “a very insidious problem that’s happening in our world” and one that compelled him to speak out publicly.

He made clear his determination to oppose what he views as discriminatory enforcement practices, declaring: “We will not be Iced out. This is not going to happen.”

The actor was attending the festival for the premiere of The Only Living Pickpocket in New York, a crime thriller directed by Noah Segan that debuted on Monday.

The film follows an ageing pickpocket named Harry as he races against time in London, marking another dramatic role for the veteran performer.

The interview was picked up by American investor Colin Rugg, who reposted the clip to X, prompting fierce backlash towards the Breaking Bad star.

“Another shmuck who will call for others to die but will never leave his perfumed palace,” one critic said, while another penned: “When Hollywood people get political it’s just humiliating at this point. I just feel humiliated for them.”

“He would definitely not survive,” another added.

A fourth wrote: “It’s always the ones with the tallest walls, the strongest fences, and the most resources to dedicate to their own protection who advocate the loudest for revolution. Isn’t it?” (sic)

This is not the first time Mr Esposito has used his public platform to express political views.

Following the 2020 presidential election, he celebrated Joe Biden’s victory on social media, writing: “Democracy wins. You and I win. Democrats and Republicans win.”

At the time, he emphasised the importance of democratic processes, adding: “Voices were heard. Votes were counted. Principles were honored. We can begin the journey back by honoring human beings of all nations and parties. We are Americans!”

The Breaking Bad star joins a growing number of entertainment figures who have spoken out against Ice enforcement actions, including Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Mark Ruffalo, and Bruce Springsteen.