Celebrities have taken to various social media websites — and even their own concert stages — to speak out over the continuing violence in Gaza that has left hundreds of civilians dead. From singers and actors to world-renowned comedians, these stars have spoken out across all mediums and have often faced, and responded to, the ensuing backlash.
Controversial pop star Madonna took to her Facebook to share her two cents, saying, “Conflicts can never be resolved through violence! Cease fire on both sides.. All human life is precious!”
She also posted on Nelson Mandela Day, urging people to “follow in his footsteps”. “He fought to end Apartheid in South Africa! Lets pray that there will be no more separation between Palestine and Israel. No more killing of innocent people and that there will be Peace in the Middle East!”
Ex-Disney starlet Selena Gomez posted an Instagram photo that read “It’s about humanity, pray for Gaza”. In the caption, she wrote: “Please pray for those families and babies today. Please always remember what’s important in life. It’s not any of this. We are here to help, inspire and love. Be that change.”
The singer-actress faced criticism, prompting her to post another photo caption that read, “And of course to be clear, I am not picking any sides. I am praying for peace and humanity for all!”
Some celebs have retracted their sentiments, like pop star Rihanna who tweeted #FreePalestine and then deleted the hashtag within minutes, claiming it hadn’t come from her. Others have been more openly outspoken.
Scottish singer Annie Lennox posted several Facebook statuses related to the violence. One, posted with a photo of a wailing and injured child, read, “A young Palestinian boy wounded by shelling at a hospital in the Southern Gaza strip.. On the 14th day of conflict the death toll has reached 550. The carnage must stop !!!”
Eddie Vedder, lead singer of Pearl Jam, went on a full-fledged anti-war rant at a July 11 concert that many connected to Israel.
“…we’re [expletive] dropping bombs on each other. What the [expletive]? And I get if war is the last resort. If they’re coming on your soil, I get it. I get it. You don’t want to be in that situation,” he said, adding, “…there are some people out there who are looking for a reason to kill. They’re looking for a reason to come across borders and take over land that doesn’t belong to them, and they should get the [expletive] out and mind their own [expletive] business!”
Hip-hop producer, and Alicia Keys’ husband, Swiss Beatz lent his voice to the people of Gaza with the hashtag Free Palestine. “I don’t care what’s the problem you don’t just kill lil kids like that I pray for peace Asap!!!!,” he wrote. “Sorry how my grammar is on this but I’m emotional rite now! This is not cool on a human level!!!”
Rapper Waka Flocka Flame was also outspoken, despite criticism. “#FreePalestine,” he tweeted. “Damn how the [expletive] My country allow #palestine suffering… . please father god give that country strength.”
The Hulk actor Mark Ruffalo tweeted, “Israel destroys el-Wafa hospital as staff evacuates all patients,” along with a link to a news article. Upon facing backlash for “complaining”, he tweeted, “Sorry, I thought blowing up hospitals was something that all human beings could agree was off limits.”
Fellow actor Rob Schneider shared a similar sentiment. “To not be outraged at the killing of children is to risk your very soul. #Gaza,” he tweeted.
Activist-actress Mia Farrow, previously married to Woody Allen, tweeted repeatedly. “We can passionately protest Israel’s assault upon Gaza without descending, even remotely, into the hideousness of anti-Semitism.”
Actor John Cusack filled his feed with tweets and re-tweets related to Gaza and Israel. “Bombing people who can’t escape not defence — does not mean one supports Hamas means to be against murder as solution to political problem,” he wrote.
Earlier, he said, “I have been to Israel and Palestine &bombing civilians is not self defence.”
Television stars also spoke out.
Scandal actress Kerry Washington posted a witness’s account of the four Palestinian children who were killed by a blast while playing on the beach. Washington called it “heartbreaking”.
Hart of Dixie actor Winsel Bethel expressed concern.
“Dear Mr Netanyahu, There is a word for an 80 per cent civilian casualty rate: terrorism. Sincerely, A concerned Jew,” he tweeted. “To be clear: I don’t condone Hamas’ actions either...,” he added, and then again, “But Israel’s “right to defend herself” is starting to look a whole lot like her “right to annihilate Gaza”.”
Matt Davis, who played Alaric Saltzman on Vampire Diaries, tweeted several times and spoke about his ideal “two city-state solution”.
“I see a land without walls, bustling with culture, and glowing with peace,” he wrote. “I see great reconciliation; mutual respect; and a common cause to be a light to all nations. #IBelieveInPalestine #IBelieveInIsrael #Peace”
Comedian Russell Brand posted a nearly seven minute in-depth video to YouTube on the topic.
“You can have a look at a map of the way that Palestinian territories have been encroached upon since the establishment of the state of Israel, it’s pretty harrowing,” he said. “I think the only way that we can have a positive impact is for the West not to provide military or financial assistance to either side, to condemn violence on both sides and insist on a peaceful solution.”
