The “Pretty Woman” and “American Gigolo” star has sold off his U.S. properties and relocated permanently to Spain with his wife, Alejandra Silva, and their children.
And the reason? Gere says he can no longer tolerate what the country has become — and pointed directly at Elon Musk as a symbol of everything that’s gone wrong.

“I Don’t Want to Breathe the Same Air as Elon Musk”

In a candid statement, Gere didn’t hold back. He voiced deep frustration with the current state of America, particularly what he calls the dangerous concentration of power in the hands of a few — with Elon Musk being one of the most visible examples.

“The America I once loved doesn’t exist anymore,” Gere said. “When billionaires dictate the direction of society, it’s no longer a place I want to call home.”

Gere’s decision to settle in Spain isn’t completely out of the blue — his wife Alejandra is Spanish, and the couple has long had close ties to the country.

Still, the actor says the move marks a turning point in how he wants to live: slower, quieter, and more in line with his values.

“In Spain, life is simpler and deeper,” Alejandra recently shared. “We can raise our children in a calmer environment, without the noise and tension that have become normal in the U.S.”

Fans need not worry: Gere isn’t retiring. In fact, he’s exploring opportunities in European cinema, where he says the focus remains on artistic storytelling — not just box office numbers.

“Hollywood is increasingly about fame and money,” he explained. “I want to be part of something that means more than just profit.”

The news sparked a flurry of reactions online, with many expressing sadness at his departure — and admiration for his principles.

“Richard Gere walking away from Hollywood and standing by his beliefs is powerful,” one fan tweeted. “I’ll miss seeing him on U.S. screens, but respect his choice.”

The hashtag #RichardGereInSpain quickly began trending, with supporters applauding the actor’s integrity and calling his move “inspiring.”

Richard Gere’s decision to leave the U.S. is about more than changing homes — it’s a statement. A rejection of a system he no longer believes in, and a call for a life that values connection, peace, and authenticity.

While fans may miss him stateside, Gere’s legacy as a beloved actor and passionate humanitarian will follow him wherever he goes.