Gal Gadot’s stance on politics caused a commotion on Tuesday during the Walk of Fame ceremony when rallyists arrived and nearly disrupted the event.
The Wonder Woman actress publicly revealed in 2023 where she stands on the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and those who oppose her views have now started confronting her in person. Find out more about it below!
Why Gal Gadot is Causing a Stir for Her Stance
Gal Gadot has been receiving backlash for advocating for Israel throughout its war with Hamas in Gaza, and this led to a protest during an important milestone in her career.
On Tuesday, people gathered on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, where the actress was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Palestinian supporters held up signs such as “Viva Viva Palestina,” “Heroes Fight Like Palestinians,” and “Shame on Gal Gadot” and expressed outrage that Gadot was being recognized amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.
Hours before this, a health ministry from the region reported 400 deaths after an Israeli airstrike on Palestine, which broke the ceasefire that began in January.
Several pro-Israel supporters also arrived with their flags and placards, matching the number of those on the opposing side, and clashed with them.
During the event, Gadot gave an emotional speech about receiving the star and expressed gratitude for joining the legendary figures on the Walk of Fame. However, she wasn’t actually unfazed by the backlash she has been facing, as she told Variety.
"I was shocked by the amount of hate, by the amount of how much people think they know when they actually have no idea, and also by how the media is not fair many times," she said in the interview, adding that she felt the need to “speak up” because of this.
On October 7, 2023, Gadot posted on Instagram, "I stand with Israel, you should too," after Hamas invaded Israel. She stated that she usually avoids commenting on politics but told Variety that these issues are personal to her, as she is the granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor who built a home in Israel.
Famous Celebrities On the Israeli-Palestinian struggles And How People Reacted
Gadot is not the only popular celebrity under fire because of her political beliefs. Other Hollywood stars, including her co-star Rachel Zegler, are also being targeted for supporting Palestine.
Zegler, who portrays Snow White in the upcoming live-action adaptation, posted on X a message that included “Free Palestine,” which may explain her rumored strained relationship with Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen in the movie.
A month ago, supporters of Palestine gathered at the premiere of Captain America: Brave New World to protest the casting of Israeli actress Shira Haas as the superhero Ruth Bat-Seraph. Protesters held signs that read, “Disney supports genocide” and “Sabra has got to go.”
Many Hollywood celebrities have been divided over the Middle East conflict since 2023. Celebrities like Noah Schnapp, Debra Messing, and Mia Khalifa faced online criticism for supporting Palestine. Meanwhile, those who remained neutral, such as Angelina Jolie and Selena Gomez, were also called out for staying silent and not using their platforms to raise awareness.
According to officials from Gaza, the war has now reportedly caused an estimated 48,000 Palestinian deaths, while 1,200 individuals were killed during the Hamas-led attack.