A clash in Hollywood between supporters of Israel and supporters of the Palestinians
Hollywood celebrities have been taking pro-Palestinian or pro-Israel positions on Instagram since the beginning of the war, not caring about the consequences they might face because of that, according to Agence France-Presse.
Israeli actress Gal Gadot, known for playing Wonder Woman, expressed her unwavering support for her country on Instagram on October 7, the day Hamas carried out an attack on Israeli territory in which 1,200 people were killed, most of them civilians, according to authorities. About 240 others were kidnapped and taken hostage to the Gaza Strip.
Gadot wrote on her Instagram account, where 109 million users follow her: “I am on Israel’s side, and you should be too.” Since then, the actress has regularly posted or shared content demanding the return of Israeli civilians detained by Hamas, which has received approval from some and anger from others.
Gal Gadot (Reuters)
One user, like hundreds of others, wrote: “I am very disappointed in your position in support of the genocide of the Palestinian people.”
In response to the Hamas attack, Israel continuously bombed the Gaza Strip and launched a ground attack on October 27, which resumed on Friday, a week after the truce. According to the Hamas government, about 16,248 people have been killed since the war began, 70 percent of whom were women and children.
On the other hand, the American model of Palestinian origin, Gigi Hadid, spoke on Instagram (79 million followers) in recent weeks about “the systematic mistreatment of the Palestinian people by the Israeli government.”
A pro-Israel Internet user responded to her: “Accept the fact that your family is on the wrong side of humanity.”
Celebrities who evoke strong feelings of support or distaste can be emotional, especially if they talk about controversial topics.
Gigi Hadid (Reuters)
Long before the advent of social media, boxer Muhammad Ali, actress Jane Fonda and singer Bob Dylan were as loved as they were hated for their opposition to the Vietnam War.
Finally, Ben Stiller, Angelina Jolie and Sean Penn showed their support for Ukraine by going there… supported by their Western fans who support Kiev.
Angelina Jolie (Reuters)
“They have to express themselves.”
But the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is extremely polarizing, sometimes exposing stars to violent responses.
For example, Kylie Jenner shared with her 398 million followers on Instagram a message from a pro-Israel group shortly after the October 7 attack, but removed it after being subjected to insults, according to American media.
For her part, in November, Oscar-winning actress Susan Saranden lost the support of the talent agency that represented her, according to the specialized press, due to controversial statements she made during a pro-Palestinian demonstration, for which she later apologized on Instagram.
Kylie Jenner (Reuters)
As for actress Melissa Barrera, the heroine of the fifth and sixth parts of the “Scream” film series, she will not participate in the seventh part of it by decision of the production house, which justified its decision with “zero tolerance for anti-Semitism and incitement to hatred.”
Barrera denounced on Instagram the occurrence of “ethnic cleansing” in Gaza.
Celebrities who take a stand in this contentious conflict “risk a lot and gain little,” said communications specialist Nicola Vanderbest from Brussels.
Therefore, in order to have peace of mind, celebrities can choose to remain silent. However, in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where “they feel they have to express themselves,” this does not spare them from being criticized, said Jamil Jean-Marc Dakhliyeh, a professor at the Sorbonne-Nouvelle University in Paris. He added: “But even silence is considered confession.”
American actress and singer Selena Gomez, who has 430 million followers on Instagram, was criticized for her silence on the issue.
Like hundreds of people, including singer Jennifer Lopez, actor Joaquin Phoenix and Gigi Hadid, Gomez chose the middle path: signing the Artists for Ceasefire Now petition at the end of October.
