Former Congressman George Santos Considers Hollywood Move Amidst Expulsion Fallout

https://icaro.icaromediagroup.com/system/images/photos/15920890/original/open-uri20231206-17-14qmkt9?1701904276
ICARO Media Group
Politics
06/12/2023 23h06

The House of Representatives' recent expulsion of George Santos has fueled speculation about the disgraced former congressman's next career move. While Santos' controversial and scandal-ridden tenure in politics may be over, it appears that the culture of celebrity may not be ready to let him go just yet. Hollywood has emerged as a potential new frontier for Santos, with many pondering whether his attention-seeking and notorious reputation could find a home in the entertainment industry.

Late-night host John Oliver jokingly suggested that Santos belongs in the realm of reality television, specifically mentioning Bravo's "Real Housewives" franchise during his show on HBO's "Last Week Tonight." However, Andy Cohen, the creator and executive producer of the franchise, swiftly dismissed the idea, declaring that they have no interest in having Santos on their shows.

Another possibility that has been raised is Santos participating as a contestant on ABC's "Dancing With the Stars," a show that has helped political figures rehabilitate their public image in the past. Though there have been no discussions between Santos and the network, the former congressman expressed openness to the idea during his interactions with reporters.

If music is more of his forte, Santos might consider seeking a spot on Fox's hit show, "The Masked Singer," which previously featured former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. However, no concrete plans or discussions surrounding Santos' involvement with the show have been reported.

It is worth noting that Santos' improbable story is already on its way to the small screen, as HBO has confirmed that it has optioned the rights to journalist Mark Chiusano's recently released book, titled "The Fabulist: The Lying, Hustling, Stealing, and Very American Legend of George Santos." The project, executive produced by Frank Rich of "Veep" and "Succession" fame, may take the form of either a film or a limited series, chronicling Santos' rise to power and the web of deception that surrounded him.

While Santos' political ideologies may not resonate with many in Hollywood, his larger-than-life persona and propensity for scandal make him an appealing subject for satire. Comedians have been quick to capitalize on his antics, with "Saturday Night Live" bidding farewell to him through a musical skit titled "Scandal in the Wind."

Nevertheless, amidst all the speculation about Santos' potential Hollywood ventures, it is essential to remember that he still faces serious legal ramifications. The former congressman is currently facing 23 felony charges, including identity theft and wire fraud, which could result in a federal prison sentence of up to 22 years. Santos has pleaded not guilty to all counts, and his trial is set for September.

For now, Santos has taken to Cameo, a clip-sharing website, where he offers personalized videos as a "Former congressional 'Icon'" for a fee of $200. Additionally, he has hinted at the possibility of writing a memoir to share his side of the story. While mainstream media outlets may be unwilling to grant him a platform, satirical comedian Ziwe has invited Santos for a "pay-per-view interview" on Twitter, to which he responded positively.

As Santos attempts to navigate a post-political career and grapple with the pending legal challenges, the public continues to marvel at the larger-than-life saga that has unfolded around him.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

Related