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Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary addressed the recent unrest in Los Angeles during an interview on Fox News. He raised concerns about both the economic toll on small businesses and the possible political fallout for California Governor Gavin Newsom.
O’Leary appeared live from Los Angeles as he reacted to reports and footage of the events unfolding in the city. Responding to commentary that downplayed the presence of riots, O’Leary said,
“I mean I’m in LA right here. I don’t know what to call this.”
He added,
“Au contraire, my friend,”
—indicating a direct contradiction to claims that nothing significant was happening on the ground.
Kevin O’Leary breaks down small business struggles in true Shark Tank style
Throughout the segment, O’Leary focused on the immediate impact the unrest was having on local businesses, particularly small, independently owned operations.
“What people don't understand about these riots is they shut down small businesses,” he said.
“Let’s say a grocery store or a dry cleaner or restaurant — they’re all shut down. There's no foot traffic.”
O’Leary also emphasized that even businesses that had not sustained visible damage were experiencing significant setbacks. He said,
“Even if they didn't get their windows smashed, they're getting killed,”
— referring to the loss of daily business activity and customer access due to surrounding conditions.
His comments highlighted ongoing concerns from business owners across urban areas who report revenue losses and customer drop-offs during similar disruptions. The Shark Tank investor pointed out that the consequences extended beyond property damage, affecting economic recovery and stability for business owners and workers.
The political price tag, according to the Shark Tank investor
In addition to discussing the financial toll, O’Leary addressed how the situation might be used in future political campaigns.
“I'm thinking about Gavin Newsom’s problem right now, and it’s a very bad look,” he said.
He directed a message toward Newsom’s team, warning of potential ramifications.
“I say to his campaign manager right now, you're making the B-roll for the guy you're gonna be competing with, that wants to take you on as the leader of your party.”
He explained that images and video clips from the current events in Los Angeles could be repurposed in political advertisements.
“The attack ad 24 months from now: Do you want this guy leading our party or running our country with images of firebombs going all over the place?” he stated.
His remarks referenced how past political campaigns have used footage of unrest or crises to raise questions about candidates’ leadership or crisis response.
O’Leary pointed out that the footage being captured during these events might resurface in the worst way possible. He imagined an attack ad two years down the line, featuring explosive footage that could haunt a future campaign.
Whether you’re selling a product or running for office, optics matter. And for O’Leary, these were the wrong kind.
Broader message during national appearance
The interview occurred during a broader segment focused on economic conditions and public safety across major cities. O’Leary’s remarks were framed in the context of how such incidents can shape both public perception and business operations in the short and long term.
The Shark Tank investor concluded with a succinct assessment:
“This is a bad thing. Bad, bad, bad. Really bad.”
O’Leary, who is known for his role as an investor on Shark Tank and his commentary on economic issues, has frequently discussed small business challenges and political accountability. His remarks on the Los Angeles situation reflect continued concerns expressed by business leaders in areas experiencing civil unrest or public disorder.
His breakdown offered a dual perspective: the hit to small businesses that can’t operate without foot traffic—and the political hit of being tied to troubling imagery.
“How is this a good thing?” he asked, plainly.
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“This is a bad thing.”
It was a blunt assessment, shaped by years of Shark Tank deal-making, and spoken with the same no-nonsense tone fans know from TV. No fluff. No spin.
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