New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's public image might have suffered serious damage on January 8, 2014, when news broke of his possible involvement in a scandal dubbed Bridgegate. According to the New York Times, Christie may have had knowledge that a top aide, Bridget Anne Kelly, ordered lane closures of the George Washington bridge in the borough of Fort Lee as retribution against the town's mayor for not supporting Christie during his last re-election campaign.
Christie, who up until this point has been a rumored favorite for the GOP nomination in the next election, has denied involvement. His true role in the scandal is currently unclear, but the social media world has exploded with reactions to the news; some have come to his defense, but many have jumped on the chance to criticize the very public governor.
Here are the top celebrity tweets on the subject, from messages of outrage, to ones of defense or sheer humor:
Piers Morgan pointed out the good and bad of Christie's response to the allegations:
Christie chucking a lot of people, rightly, under the bus - but also taking full ultimate responsibility. Strong leadership. @GovChristie
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) January 9, 2014
These celebrities shared their own reactions to Christie's response:
Chely Wright commented on the length:
I think Gov. Christie should try to wrap this up. It's long and becoming non-sensical at this point. #bridgegate
— Chely Wright (@chelywright) January 9, 2014
Brian Koppelman joked about a line in it:
"My daddy told me, I believe he told me true. The right thing's always the hardest thing to do." @JasonIsbell on the album of '13. #christie
— Brian Koppelman (@briankoppelman) January 10, 2014
These political figures defended Christie by comparing his alleged crime to those of Obama:
Herman Cain
If Christie knew about what was going on (which is a big if), then the scandal is that he acts just like Obama http://t.co/QSRQKJ8uKE
— Herman Cain (@THEHermanCain) January 10, 2014
Scott Brown
My take on the lessons in leadership President Obama should take away from Governor Christie: http://t.co/lx6YqIIIGa
— Scott P. Brown (@SenScottBrown) January 10, 2014
Kerry Washington mentioned the controversy through somewhat of a plug of her show Scandal:
THIS“@ThisWeekABC: As scandal engulfs Gov. Christie, crisis mngmnt expert @JudySmith_, the inspiration for #Scandal, comes to #ThisWeek Sun”
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) January 10, 2014
Ana Marie Cox pointed out that this isn't Christie's first controversy, providing a list of others he's been involved in:
15 Christie Controversies You Missed http://t.co/KXmluE6Evx // Some of these are stupid, but all consistent with a certain personality type.
— Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) January 10, 2014
And these celebrities just joked about the scandal:
Stephen Colbert
When Christie is President, he'll address our nation's crumbling infrastructure by making sure we stay off bridges.
— Stephen Colbert (@StephenAtHome) January 10, 2014
Adam McKay
Christie denies being a bully? I thought that was his whole hook. What's he now, friend who takes the pics at parties?
— Adam McKay (@GhostPanther) January 10, 2014
Conan O'Brien
If Chris Christie had blocked people from entering New Jersey he’d be a hero.
— Conan O'Brien (@ConanOBrien) January 9, 2014