Robert Davi Blames California's Political Climate and Crime for His Move to Florida

Veteran actor Robert Davi has attributed his decision to leave California for Florida to the state's escalating homelessness, perceived political corruption, and rising crime rates. Davi, 75, who moved to Florida four years ago, stated that the "overwhelming influx of homelessness in all communities," coupled with what he described as political corruption and mismanagement of funds in Los Angeles education agencies, contributed to his decision.

Davi, known for his roles in "Die Hard," "The Goonies," and as a James Bond villain, relocated to Los Angeles in 1977 to pursue his acting career. He expressed dismay at the visible increase in crime, noting that businesses now require security measures and even basic retail transactions are impacted by theft.

"When I first came to LA, I could go to CVS and it was fine. I could go to a store. It was fine. Now they have gates, they have guards and items are behind lock and key because of the rampant crime," Davi told Fox News Digital. "It’s about people coming in and the acceptable aspect of going into any store and ripping off what they want and not being stopped."

A particularly impactful event for Davi was the December 1, 2021, home invasion and murder of Jacqueline Avant, wife of music executive Clarence Avant. Davi identified this incident as the "last straw" in his decision to leave California. Avant's mother-in-law was the mother of Alexander Avant and Nicole Avant, who previously served as the U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas and is married to Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos.

"Why did I leave California? It was knowing this and watching this happen. It was the nail in my coffin," Davi said. "California was seeping into this s—, the crime that was happening within communities and continually encroaching into communities… a home invasion and murder by a criminal that was let go three different times?"

Davi also reflected on the political leanings of Hollywood, questioning how the industry became so predominantly left-wing. He recalled a time when conservative voices in Hollywood, like President Ronald Reagan, were not as stigmatized, referencing his role as Leonid Brezhnev in the biopic "Reagan." He contrasted this with the current climate, where he suggests conservatives feel less comfortable expressing their views openly.

“The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) wasn’t afraid. Conservatives were not afraid to talk. Johnny Carson was fair,” Davi said. “You had conservatives that were big stars that spoke out and you had liberals. Since that time, liberalism has taken on another form,” he explained.

California Governor Gavin Newsom's office was contacted for comment on Davi's statements. ![Robert Davi smiles at the "Diamond" screening during the 79th annual Cannes Film Festival.]( "Robert Davi smiles at the "Diamond" screening during the 79th annual Cannes Film Festival.")