“Power Rangers” alum Amy Jo Johnson shades 'rogue Red Ranger' Austin St. John for selling t-shirts with Hitler quotes
"I think some people should have publicists," Johnson wrote on X.
Not even fellow Power Ranger Amy Jo Johnson approves of Austin St. John’s new clothing line.
The actor who starred as Jason Lee Scott, the original Red Ranger, in the hit ‘90s series Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers sparked considerable outrage online after announcing a merch line featuring quotes from prominent historical figures — including Adolf Hitler. Along with criticism from fans, the apparel prompted shade from Johnson, who costarred in the series as Kimberly Hart, the Pink Ranger.
“Hmmm? I think some people should have publicists,” Johnson wrote in a Monday X post. “Dear me…”
After followers responded, speculating about what her post was in reference to, Johnson followed up with a more specific callout on Tuesday. “Rogue Red Ranger has an entire new meaning. Okay I’ll stop now,” she wrote.
In a clip from the Feb. 26 podcast episode of Toon’d In With Jim Cummings — which has been circulating social media — St. John explained the thought process behind his controversial merch.
“I’m building a ‘Warrior’ line, where I will go back in history from pre-greek days, as far back as I can,” the actor explained. “I’m gonna have famous quotes from warriors of all ilks, including the terrible ones. Hitler was, you know, a demon on steroids, but he had some pretty good one-liners. So everybody from the great ones to the infamous and terrible ones.”
St. John said the line will feature Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris, adding, “The point is to look to our past, to leaders both good and terrible and take from them what you can.”
As of publication, no merchandise with Hitler quotes is featured on St. John's website. A rep for the actor did not immediately respond to EW's request for comment.
Johnson and St. John starred together in the original Power Rangers series and its films, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie and Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie. Neither made an appearance in last year’s Power Rangers: Once & Always, Netflix's 30th anniversary reunion special for the show.
The reason for St. John’s absence was not revealed, though some point to the fact that he was arrested in 2022 for defrauding the government's COVID-19 business relief program.
Meanwhile, Johnson denied claims that she declined a role over a pay dispute, writing in a tweet, "Please stop saying I didn't do reunion because of money. Simply not true. Maybe I just didn't want to wear spandex in my 50s or couldn't go to [New Zealand] for a month. Or none of ur beeswax."
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