Hundreds of celebrities, including familiar names like Taylor Swift, Zendaya, and the Kardashian family, are facing a wave of backlash from social media users. This surge is seen as part of an effort to compel celebrities to use their influence to speak out against the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
For months, pro-Palestine activists have pressured celebrities to speak up more in support of Gaza civilians. This movement reached its peak during the 2024 Met Gala coinciding with Israel’s attack on Rafah, a city in Southern Gaza. Subsequently, many users compiled lists and proceeded to block celebrities on various social media platforms, including Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Zendaya, the Bieber couple, and the Kardashian family.
Met Gala and “Let Them Eat Cake” – Catchphrases of an Outrageous Wave
Comparisons between the Met Gala and The Hunger Games, a popular book series by Suzanne Collins highlighting social stratification, gained traction. However, criticisms of the Gala’s extravagance intensified when contrasting images and videos of the event with the situation in Rafah flooded social media.
The outrage peaked when model and content creator Haley Kalil posted a now-deleted TikTok video from the Met Gala, where she posed in a lavish gown and uttered “Let Them Eat Cake,” a phrase associated with the last Queen of France, Marie Antoinette, reflecting the aristocracy’s indifference to the less fortunate.
The Digital Guillotine Movement Targeting Celebrities
TikTok content creator Rae (@ladyfromtheoutside) initiated the “digital guillotine” movement, urging people to block wealthy and influential individuals who fail to utilize their resources to help those in need. Rae’s video garnered over 2.5 million views and nearly 600 thousand likes. In another development, after the controversial video, Haley Kalil apologized, explaining her role as a pre-Met Gala host for E! News, but her explanation failed to convince social media users.
Kalil’s remarks drew parallels to rapper Macklemore, who admitted his lack of expertise in the Israel-Palestine conflict yet voiced support for a ceasefire. Recently, Macklemore released the song “Hind’s Hall” to express solidarity with Palestinians.
The ongoing celebrity boycott seems unabated. According to social media analytics firm Social Blade, many celebrities on the block list have lost tens or hundreds of thousands of followers daily since the digital guillotine’s inception. Journalist and social activist Bisan Owda urged followers to block those they’ve helped become famous, citing their detachment from reality.
The Gaza Protest Movement and the Effectiveness of the Digital Guillotine
Before the celebrity boycott, students from various US universities protested, urging the government to divest from Israel, leading to numerous arrests.
Returning to the celebrity boycott, many debates emerged online. Some argued that Gala attendees don’t pay to attend, contrary to the misconception that they spend $75,000. Additionally, some Gala participants did speak up for Palestinians, like actor Rachel Zegler.
Another viewpoint suggests celebrities shouldn’t be the focus of the Palestine support movement. Nevertheless, many acknowledge their potential impact with just a social media post. For instance, TikToker Yuval Ben-Hayun’s fundraising video helped raise $200,000 in less than 24 hours to evacuate a friend’s family from Gaza.
Since the backlash began, some celebrities on the block list, such as rapper Lizzo and social media star Chris Olsen, posted videos encouraging followers to donate to Gaza families and aid organizations. Though criticized for being late and insincere, these videos demonstrate the movement’s impact for many.
In conclusion, the intersection of celebrity culture and social activism continues to evolve, with social media serving as a powerful catalyst for change. The digital guillotine movement reflects a growing demand for accountability and social responsibility among public figures. As the Gaza crisis persists, the dialogue spurred by these events underscores the potential for grassroots movements to effect tangible change on a global scale.
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