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Edited by: TJVNews.com
In an era where the lines between entertainment and political discourse are increasingly blurred, the upcoming 2025 release of Disney’s “Snow White” has ignited a significant backlash from anti-Israel and pro-Hamas activists. The inclusion of Israeli actress Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen has sparked calls for a boycott of the film, solely based on Gadot’s nationality and her Jewish faith.
Gal Gadot, an internationally recognized actress, is best known for her portrayal of Wonder Woman, a role that catapulted her to global stardom. However, her association with Israel, and her public support for her home country, has made her a target of criticism from pro-Hamas thugs who are called “activists” by the media. The recent uproar began when Disney released the first teaser trailer for the new “Snow White” movie, which prominently featured Gadot as the villainous queen.
Social media platforms quickly became the battleground for this controversy. Posts calling for a boycott of the film proliferated, with critics condemning Disney’s decision to cast Gadot. Some posts were particularly harsh, framing Gadot’s role as the Evil Queen in the context of her Israeli identity. One user remarked, “A character that tries to kill a child and steal her kingdom. How fitting,” drawing a parallel between the character’s actions and their perception of Israel’s policies.
Another post, using the hashtag #FreePalestine, accused Gadot of being a “trained killer” who served in the “Israeli degenerate forces,” and urged followers to boycott the film. These comments underscore the deep-seated animosity and visceral hatred that is harbored by anti-Semites across the globe.
Gal Gadot’s public support for Israel has been consistent over the years, and her stance has not wavered even during periods of heightened conflict, such as the ongoing war in Gaza sparked by Hamas’s brutal October 7 attack. Gadot’s advocacy for Israel, combined with her high-profile roles in Hollywood, has made her a polarizing figure. Her casting as the Evil Queen in “Snow White” has therefore become more than just a cinematic choice; it has turned into a symbol of a larger geopolitical struggle.
The reaction to Gadot’s involvement in the film reflects a broader trend where celebrities are scrutinized not only for their artistic work but also for their political beliefs and national affiliations. This intersection of celebrity culture and political activism is becoming increasingly common, with social media amplifying the voices of both supporters and detractors.
Adding to the controversy is Rachel Zegler, the actress cast as Snow White. Zegler has already been a divisive figure due to her outspoken liberal views and criticism of the traditional themes of the original “Snow White” film, as was recently report by Fox News. On the same day that the “Snow White” trailer was released, Zegler made headlines by posting a “Free Palestine” message on social media, attaching it to a post thanking fans for their support.
This statement, posted in the context of a trailer celebration, was seen by many as a bold political declaration. The post drew even more attention than the original, amassing approximately 4.7 million views, a clear indication of the heightened interest and division it generated.
Zegler’s comment quickly ignited a firestorm, with critics accusing her of using her platform to promote a political agenda that is clearly contentious and inflammatory, according to the information in The Fox News report. Her post highlights how even a seemingly innocuous promotional message can become politically charged in today’s environment.
Many social media users praised the actress for her outspoken support of the Palestinian cause, reflecting a broader trend of celebrities using their platforms to advocate for political and social issues. Zegler’s previous statements and actions, including a 2021 post where she declared, “It will always be free Palestine,” and her encouragement for donations to Palestinian relief funds, have cemented her reputation as a vocal supporter of Palestinian rights.
Other users expressed their solidarity with Gal Gadot who has been a prominent advocate for Israel. This division underscores the broader conflict between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel sentiments that often play out on social media, where the reach and immediacy of platforms like X (formerly Twitter) amplify the impact of such statements.
Gadot has not shied away from expressing her views, even organizing a screening in Hollywood of a film that depicts the atrocities committed by Hamas during the October 7 attacks on Israelis. Additionally, Gadot publicly condemned the international community for its silence on the sexual assaults and hostage situations perpetrated by Hamas, further highlighting her activism.
This is not the first time a Jewish or Israeli celebrity has been targeted amid the ongoing conflict. Earlier this year, American Jewish reggae musician Matisyahu had to cancel three of his U.S. concerts due to threats of anti-Israel protests. Matisyahu, who is not Israeli, became another example of how Jewish celebrities and performers have been singled out by the increasing number of rabid Jew haters.
The reception of the film may be influenced as much by the political climate as by the quality of the production itself. With Zegler’s comments fueling an ongoing debate, and Gadot’s involvement bringing her own set of controversies, Disney may need to navigate a complex landscape of public opinion and media scrutiny.
Several high-profile figures have faced significant public criticism and even professional consequences due to their views or statements on this contentious issue.
In January 2022, Emma Watson, best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the “Harry Potter” series, faced significant backlash after she posted a pro-Palestinian image on Instagram with the caption “Solidarity is a verb.” The post, which expressed support for Palestinians, was met with both praise and criticism. Many supporters of Israel accused her of promoting an anti-Israel narrative, while others defended her right to speak out on human rights issues. Israeli officials and public figures, including a former ambassador to the UN, criticized Watson, suggesting that her post was anti-Semitic, although many argued that it was an expression of solidarity with Palestinians rather than an attack on Israel.
The Academy Award-winning actress Susan Sarandon has long been known for her activism, including her outspoken support for Palestinian rights. In May 2021, during the escalation of violence in Gaza, Sarandon posted several tweets criticizing the Israeli government’s actions and expressing support for Palestinians. Her tweets sparked significant backlash, particularly from pro-Israel groups and individuals who accused her of one-sidedness and of ignoring the complexities of the conflict. Despite the criticism, Sarandon has remained steadfast in her advocacy, frequently using her platform to speak on behalf of various social justice causes.
As the release date of “Snow White” approaches, it remains to be seen how Disney will respond to the ongoing calls for a boycott and whether the film will succeed or falter amid the surrounding controversy. What is clear, however, is that the debate over this movie is about much more than just a fairy tale; it is a reflection of the polarized world we live in, where every cultural product is a potential flashpoint for political conflict.
