In the wake of Israel's military operations in Gaza, a new form of protest has emerged on social media, targeting celebrities who remain silent about the conflict. Dubbed the "blockout," this movement aims to hit celebrities where it hurts most: their wallets.

PLEASE WATCH THIS VIDEO.#blockout2024 is a movement where we collectively block the celebrities/influencers who have refused to use their platforms for people in need. their silence has consequences, and it will only be effective if we mass-block them. pic.twitter.com/2cjAJX0p3S� jude 🍉 (@literarycore) May 9, 2024

The controversy began to unfold around the May 6 Met Gala in New York City, an event that starkly contrasted with the harrowing images coming out of the southern Gaza city of Rafah. As the glamorous photos of celebrities at the gala flooded social media, Israel commenced an attack on Rafah, exacerbating the plight of Palestinians who had already been forced to flee there under Israeli directives.

Amidst this backdrop, some social media users have initiated a campaign to block celebrities they perceive as either ignoring or, in some cases, indirectly supporting the distressing developments in Gaza. The movement gained significant traction after a TikTok video posted by influencer Haley Kalil on May 7, where she ironically lip-synched "let them eat cake" outside the Met Gala. The phrase, historically misattributed to Marie Antoinette, symbolizes the disconnect between the elite and the masses. Despite the irony, Kalil faced backlash for appearing insensitive given the concurrent crisis in Gaza, leading to an apology that notably omitted any direct reference to Gaza or Israel.

Here's the video found on Twitter :

An influencer straight up making a «let them eat cake» video at the met gala last night. No self awareness at all. None. pic.twitter.com/39rYMZqzLe� Read Let This Radicalize You (@JoshuaPHilll) May 7, 2024

Boulou Ebanda de B'béri, a communications professor at the University of Ottawa, emphasizes the importance of using one's platform to advocate for justice. "," he states.

The rationale behind the "blockout" is straightforward: by blocking celebrities on social media, users can decrease the engagement these figures garner, potentially affecting their earnings from brand partnerships. Jordan Foster, a PhD candidate researching new media and inequality at the University of Toronto, explains that diminished exposure could lead to decreased value for brands, thereby impacting celebrities' profitability. "," says Foster.

Despite the initial fervor, Foster is skeptical about the long-term impact of the blockout, suggesting it might only cause a minor disruption to the celebrities' image and marketability.

However, not all celebrities have remained silent. On the very day of the Met Gala, rapper Macklemore released "Hind's Hall," a song echoing the sentiments of pro-Palestinian student protests. Canadian singer The Weeknd has also contributed, donating $4.5 million through his XO Humanitarian Fund to support humanitarian efforts in Gaza. Lizzo has also been very vocal about the matter :

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As the blockout gains momentum, it highlights a growing frustration with celebrity culture and the perceived apathy of the elite towards global injustices. Whether this movement will result in a substantial shift in celebrity activism remains to be seen, but it certainly underscores the complex interplay between fame, politics, and social responsibility.


source: Msn News