WATCH: Expelled TN Lawmaker Made Incredibly Theatrical Transformation In Last 7 Years

Y’all, it really is all political theater. You kind of just have to assume that the people on both sides of politics are putting on a show for you, even if you don’t always see it. But in this case, the political theater is quite honestly Oscar-worthy. Like this guy could actually be playing a part in a movie. I’m equal parts horrified and impressed, to be honest.

Recently expelled Tennessee Representative Justin J. Pearson really went all in on an incredible political theater performance. After joining and even helping to lead an anti-gun protest which occupied the Tennessee State Capitol building and disrupted the lawful democratic proceedings of the state legislature, his colleagues voted to expel him for his poor judgement and conduct. I’m sure he thought he was protected from any potential consequences because his colleagues wouldn’t dare expel a black man for something that looked suspiciously like an “insurrection” because then he could claim “racism.” But he didn’t count on the fact that, after years of everything being called “racist,” the threat was meaningless and his colleagues were brave enough to force him to face the consequences of his actions. So he gave an impressive speech in response to the proceedings to expel him. But the most impressive thing about this speech is the Hollywood-style transformation from 2016 Justin Pearson. Check out this before-and-after.

It’s almost like he hired an acting coach, a voice coach, and a stylist to turn him into someone reminiscent of the 1960s civil rights movement, the progress from which I would argue he is actually working against. I guess he thought the image would lend credibility to his message and help him have a more powerful impact on those who see an hear him? But it’s about as authentic as any performance by any actor in Hollywood. It’s political theater. Impressive political theater, but political theater nonetheless.