Democrats receive criticism from top donor after election loss: 'It's time for a reality check'

A prominent donor criticized Democrats for panicking after their 2024 election loss, urging them to reflect and make changes.

In a new interview, activist and producer Nicole Avant stated that the Democratic Party needs a reality check.

She doesn't closely follow Bernie Sanders, but she appreciates his statement: "Are we really surprised that the Democratic Party is abandoning the working class, and then the working class votes for someone else? Why are we shocked?" She added, "Sometimes things shift, and we have to adapt."

She added, "I hope people truly examine themselves at this moment."

Avant, the daughter of the late philanthropist Jacqueline Avant and renowned music executive Clarence Avant, is a prominent Democratic donor and is married to Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos.

Avant, a friend of the Obamas, raised more than $500,000 as a campaign bundler for President Barack Obama in 2012 after serving as his ambassador to the Bahamas. She has also helped raise funds for the campaigns of Vice President Kamala Harris, President Joe Biden, and California Governor Gavin Newsom, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Although Avant acknowledged the disappointment of those who lost the election, she remained optimistic about the future of the Democratic Party.

She gave tough love to liberals considering leaving the country due to the upcoming Republican administration.

"At the end of the day, millions of Democrats didn't vote," Avant said. "But I'm not going anywhere. I'm an American. I love my country. Everyone else is going, 'Oh my God. Where am I going to move?'"

"Gov. Josh Shapiro, Gov. Andy Beshear, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer are all smart and effective leaders, and I believe that we have great people in the party. It's important for people to decide how they want to be effective and productive, and to be orderly about it," she stated.

"Don’t be whining all the time."

Avant, besides her work in entertainment and as a Democratic bundler, served as Obama's ambassador to the Bahamas from 2009 to 2011.

Planet Chronicle' Alex Pappas contributed to this report.