Chelsea Handler on Brands, Politics and Nike's 'Beautiful' Kaepernick Ad

Brands know the difference between right and wrong, and will pay the price—or reap the benefits—for their political positions, Chelsea Handler told Muse on Wednesday night moments before taking the stage as host of the 2018 Clio Awards. 

“Nike’s done it with Kaepernick. That whole campaign was beautiful,” the comedian, actress, author and TV host said. “Other brands have [taken political positions]. When I found out that FedEx contributed money to the Trump administration, I don’t want to use FedEx. FedEx is the best, but I’m not going to use them anymore. It matters to me. It doesn’t matter to everyone. Some people just want to get the job done. But it matters to me.” 

See the full interview here: 

“I think integrity is really important,” Handler added. “Brands know the difference between good and bad. Even if their companies are doing well in this adminstration, there’s a value deficit. And anybody who doesn’t stand up for that is questionable.” 

Well, with a caveat. “Vacuum cleaner bags don’t really need to get into politics,” she joked. 

Handler also revealed some of her future plans, including a Netflix show about white privilege (with herself as Exhibit A) and, hopefully, her own line of cannabis, “which has gotten me through this administration for two solid years,” she said. 

Asked if she wants to endorse brands or make more ads in future, Handler said she’s open to working with “any brand that’s modern and progressive and with it. If you’re making a statement, then I want to be making a statement with you.”