Actor Danny Trejo, known for his extensive filmography and voice roles in video games like Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, is reportedly facing backlash due to his involvement in an upcoming film titled "Pawn Shop" from Ben Shapiro's media company, The Daily Wire. According to Trejo's son, Gilbert, the actor was misled about the nature of the project.
Gilbert Trejo shared details on his private Instagram story, claiming that his father's agent presented "Pawn Shop" as a complex story about difficult times, where the protagonist, a hardworking Mexican shop owner seeking peace, is the only one who appears faultless. Gilbert stated that Danny Trejo and his family were unaware of Ben Shapiro's involvement or his public rhetoric until approximately two weeks into shooting the film.
Gilbert alleges that his father had never heard of Shapiro before. He further explained that Danny Trejo is contractually bound to the project and cannot speak out against it or withdraw without facing legal repercussions. "It's fucked up," Gilbert wrote. "He's handcuffed to this stupid project, and swaths of people have instantly turned their backs on him without knowing any of the facts."
Danny Trejo himself released a statement on Instagram, asserting his identity as a "proud Mexican" and a consistent supporter of his community, emphasizing that he is "pro-immigrant and not pro-ICE." The actor, who has also portrayed himself in games such as Call of Duty: Black Ops and Far Cry 6, has a history of advocating for immigrant rights. Gilbert suggested that Shapiro's involvement was designed to create a narrative that turned Trejo's fanbase against him, stating, "Ben Shapiro got Mexicans to abandon one of their heroes, got his own name on to the top of Google's searches, and made us look like angry fools lacking any nuance. He wins."