Aikido

Why people hate Steven Seagal

Steven Seagal is an American actor, martial artist, film producer, and musician. He was born on April 10, 1952, in Lansing, Michigan, United States. Seagal gained fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s as an action movie star, known for his martial arts skills and tough-guy persona.

Before his acting career, Seagal had a background in martial arts. He began studying martial arts at a young age and achieved black belts in several disciplines, including aikido, karate, judo, and kendo. He moved to Japan in the 1970s to further his martial arts training and became the first foreigner to operate an Aikido dojo in Osaka.

While his earlier movies enjoyed commercial success, Seagal’s career has shifted more towards direct-to-video releases in recent years. He has also ventured into producing and directing films. Apart from acting, Seagal is also a blues musician and has released several albums.

Throughout his career, Seagal has faced controversies and criticism, including allegations of sexual harassment, claims of exaggerating his martial arts skills, and negative perceptions of his acting abilities. Because of this, it’s not surprising that Seagal is widely disliked. Here are a few of the main reasons in more detail:

Allegations of misconduct

Steven Seagal has faced numerous allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct over the years. Several women, including actresses and employees, have accused him of inappropriate behavior. These allegations have contributed to a negative public image and the perception that he has a disrespectful attitude toward women.

Bogus martial arts claims

Seagal has made bold claims about his martial arts abilities, often portraying himself as an invincible action hero. However, many martial arts practitioners and experts have criticized him for exaggerating his skills and credentials. Some have accused him of promoting a style of martial arts that lacks authenticity.

Acting ability

While Seagal achieved significant success in the 1990s with action films such as “Under Siege” and “Above the Law,” his acting skills have been widely criticized. Many view his performances as wooden, lacking emotional depth, and repetitive. As a result, he has become a subject of parody and has been mocked for his limited range as an actor.

Egotistical behavior

Seagal has been known for displaying a sense of arrogance and self-importance in interviews and public appearances. Some people find his demeanor off-putting, perceiving him as self-centered and narcissistic.

Political views

Seagal has been politically active and has expressed controversial opinions. He has been vocal about his support for Russian President Vladimir Putin and has been granted Russian citizenship. These affiliations and statements have caused some people to view him unfavorably, particularly in the context of geopolitical tensions between Russia and the United States.

Cheesy direct-to-video movies

In recent years, Seagal’s film career has primarily consisted of direct-to-video releases, often of lower quality and production values compared to his earlier work. These movies are frequently criticized for their predictable plots, lackluster performances, and repetitive action sequences. This shift in his career trajectory has led to a perception that he is no longer relevant in the film industry.

Cultural appropriation

Seagal has been accused of appropriating and exploiting other cultures in his movies. In several of his films, he portrays characters from various ethnic backgrounds, such as Japanese or Oriental stereotypes, despite not having any genuine connection to these cultures. Some view this as disrespectful and opportunistic, capitalizing on cultural stereotypes for personal gain.

Weight and physical appearance

Seagal’s weight gain and physical appearance over the years have been subjects of criticism and mockery. Some people perceive him as not taking care of himself and view it as a reflection of a lack of professionalism.