Celebrities Are Getting Canceled Over Their Israel-Hamas Statements

Any celebrity daring to publish social media posts about the complex and divisive Israel-Hamas war can expect backlash—but that hasn't stopped a number of famous faces from sharing their thoughts on the conflict.

On October 7, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking about 240 hostages to the Gaza Strip. Israel responded with unrelenting airstrikes and a ground invasion after declaring war on Hamas. An estimated two-thirds of Gaza's 2.3 million population have been displaced, while more than 11,000 people have been killed there and thousands injured, according to the Associated Press.

Some stars have thrown their support behind Palestinians or Israelis, but even those taking a neutral stance—such as Angelina Jolie or Selena Gomez—are being criticized for not taking sides, while those choosing not to weigh in are being condemned for their silence.

Here are some of the famous faces getting "canceled" for their remarks on the Israel-Hamas war.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie is as well known for her humanitarian work as her acting career. However, the 48-year-old's statement on the Israel-Hamas conflict caused controversy on social media.

In a lengthy post shared to Instagram on October 30, the Oscar winner expressed support for civilians on both sides of the conflict, as well as her hope for a ceasefire and the return of the hostages taken by Hamas.

"Palestinian and Israeli lives—and the lives of all people globally—matter equally," she said.

The Maleficent star also cited her work as a UN refugee agency ambassador—a role she undertook from 2001 until 2022—calling for more humanitarian aid to be delivered to the Gaza Strip.

"The few aid trucks that are entering are a fraction of what is needed, and the bombings are causing desperate new humanitarian needs daily," she said.

"The denial of aid, fuel and water is collectively punishing a people."

Nevertheless, followers criticized Jolie for choosing to remain neutral and not taking a side in the war, with one Instagram user commenting: "How did you manage to say so much without saying anything at all?"

Amy Schumer

On October 17, Jewish comedian Amy Schumer accused several Western media outlets of misinformation on Instagram. In a story post, the 42-year-old lambasted publications for "blaming Israel" for the al-Ahli Hospital attack in northern Gaza "without fact checking," along with suggesting the editors of the outlets should be fired.

At the time, Palestinian officials said the explosion that killed 500 people was the result of an Israeli airstrike, while Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed a misfired rocket from Gaza.

Although later reports indicated that the rocket was fired from within Gaza, Schumer received significant backlash on social media for her post. This was followed by accusations of Islamophobia, after she shared a meme that suggested Gazans were rapists and terrorists.

After posting a clip of Martin Luther King Jr. expressing support for Israel and antisemitism on November 1, Schumer received a public clapback from his daughter, Bernice King.

"Amy: Certainly, my father was against antisemitism, as am I," King wrote on X, the social network formerly known as Twitter.

"He also believed militarism (along with racism and poverty) to be among the interconnected Triple Evils. I am certain he would call for Israel's bombing of Palestinians to cease, for hostages to be released and for us to work for true peace, which includes justice."

Schumer responded to the fallout with a statement that read: "Couple things. What I want is EVERY HOSTAGE BACK. I want safety and freedom from Hamas for Palestinians and Israelis. I want safety for Jewish people and Muslims as well. Everyone. Just like you. I want peace. You will never see me wishing harm on anyone.

"Saying I'm Islamophobic or that I like genocide is crazy," she continued. "When you say I'm rich please add in 'SELF MADE' I come [from] being dirt poor. I have never been given any money to support a cause other than tampons. I've never stolen a joke.

"People calling me a failed comic. I'm the most successful female comedian of all time. I'm ugly/fat okay Sorry you aren't attracted to me. I found someone who is. I hope you find someone too."

"We are all in a lot of pain. What hurts the most is that we all actually love each other. You hate Jews. You don't know why. I still love you."

Schumer was later accused of harassing black and indigenous Filipino actress Asia Jackson online, after the 29-year-old content creator slammed the Trainwreck star in a post that read: "It's so crazy to me how Bella & Gigi had to tiptoe around their statements and then Amy Schumer is like 'Gazans are rapists' and will still have a career."

Jackson shared the series of angry messages between herself and Schumer that followed, along with a post that said: "The daughter of Martin Luther King Jr. told you to read her father's book btw I don't know if you saw that. Instead of harassing me on Instagram you could get to reading @amyschumer."

Despite the furore, a number of celebrities have come out in support of Schumer, including comedian Kathy Griffin and actress Heather Locklear. However, the Palestinian Youth Movement condemned Schumer and other celebrities for supporting Israel.

Debra Messing

Actress Debra Messing was blasted online after attending the March for Israel rally in Washington, D.C., on November 14. Organized by the Jewish Federations of North America, over 290,000 attended the event at the National Mall.

Addressing the crowd, the 55-year-old called the Israel-Hamas conflict "madness," before declaring: "This is terrorism. But we will win. We always have."

"We are strong, resilient and devoted, and we will not lose ourselves," the Will and Grace star said to the cheering audience.

"We will worry for our global Jewish family and also hurt for the innocent Palestinians used as human shields by Hamas. We will work to eviscerate Hamas and also pray for a free and flourishing Gaza."

She continued: "We will remember and work for the release of the 240 hostages, as well as for the safety of the 2.2 million Gazans also held hostage by Hamas. We will pray for the success of the IDF [Israel Defense Forces] for a war Israel did not start, did not want, but a war Israel will win. Because we must.

"I know you are alone, I know you are afraid, I know you feel abandoned by people you thought were friends. Looking out today I know we are not alone, because we have each other."

Although Messing expressed sorrow for Palestinians, her remarks still led to backlash online, with some social media users angry with the actress for not acknowledging the Palestinians killed in the war so far.

"What about all the innocent women, children, and babies killed by the IDF?" asked one X user, while another dubbed Messing a "crazy liberal."

Gal Gadot

On October 8, Israeli actress Gal Gadot posted to Instagram in support of her home country.

"At least 250 Israeli have been murdered and dozens of women children and elders held as hostages in Gaza, by Palestinian military group Hamas," the Wonder Woman star said.

"Starting early morning more than 3,000 rockets were fired. Hamas is holding hostages, controlling bases and settlements in Israel. There have been more than 1,500 injured and heavy fighting is still ongoing.

"My heart is aching. Praying for all of those in pain."

Later, Gadot shared a graphic featuring the Star of David against a blue background that read: "I stand with Israel."

"I stand with Israel you should too," the 38-year-old wrote alongside the image. "The world cannot sit on the fence when these horrific acts of terror are happening!"

Gadot also linked to a fundraiser encouraging people to donate to Israeli civilians, writing: "Whoever can, and willing to donate, these peoples lives changed forever yesterday. They've lost so much and need help. Only if you can.."

In the days following the attacks, the Marvel star shared several videos of the Hamas attack from an Israeli perspective, including footage of missiles landing on apartment buildings and clips of Hamas fighters entering the country.

Born in Israel, Gadot was raised Jewish, serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for two years as a fitness instructor, enlisting at the age of 20 due to the country's mandatory military service.

Her support of Israel and the IDF has caused controversy throughout her Hollywood career. The star received cancelation calls after she reportedly helped to organize a Los Angeles screening of Bearing Witness, an IDF film that shows the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.

According to the Los Angeles news station KABC-TV, the screening at the Museum of Tolerance led to a mass brawl, with police officers coming to break up two groups fighting on Pico Boulevard.

Mark Ruffalo

Actor Mark Ruffalo became the subject of mockery on social media after sharing a petition to "End child bloodshed" in Israel and Gaza on October 19.

The Incredible Hulk star was accused of being a "typical out of touch liberal" for posting the link to X, with one user writing: "Wow yeah, this should do the trick."

The 55-year-old later removed the petition, but on October 24, Ruffalo added another post on the topic.

Sharing a graphic from the think tank Data for Progress, the chart represented support for a ceasefire across U.S. party lines.

"You are not alone...don't be afraid to speak up," Ruffalo wrote alongside the post, which has received over 8 million views.

Although well-intentioned, this post also divided followers. Some praised Ruffalo for speaking out, while others called the decision to post again "weird" and "embarrassing."

Mia Khalifa

On October 7, Lebanese former adult film star Mia Khalifa was slammed for calling Hamas "freedom fighters" on social media.

"Can someone please tell the freedom fighters in Palestine to flip their phones and film horizontal," the 30-year-old posted to X on October 7.

A long-time supporter of Palestinians, Khalifa responded to the criticism with a follow-up post that read: "I just want to make it clear that this statement in no way shape or form is [inciting] spread of violence.

"I specifically said freedom fighters because that's what the Palestinian citizens are... fighting for freedom every day."

However, Khalifa's original post meant that she lost her podcasting deal with Playboy, which released a statement explaining the decision.

"Over the past few days, Mia has made disgusting and reprehensible comments celebrating Hamas' attacks on Israel and the murder of innocent men, women and children," the brand said.

"At Playboy, we encourage free expression and constructive political debate, but we have a zero-tolerance policy for hate speech. We expect Mia to understand her words and actions have consequences."

She also lost her position as an adviser for Red Light Holland, a magic mushroom producer and distribution company.

"This is such a horrendous tweet @miakhalifa," CEO Todd Shapiro wrote on X. "Consider yourself fired effective immediately. Simply disgusting. Beyond disgusting. Please evolve and become a better human being."

In response, Khalifa said: "I'd say supporting Palestine has lost me business opportunities, but I'm more angry at myself for not checking whether or not I was entering into business with Zionists. My bad."

On October 10, Khalifa shared a message exchange with radio personality and wrestler Peter Rosenberg, after he contacted her privately to criticize her "freedom fighters" post.

"Awful tweet dude," Rosenberg said, to which Khalifa replied: "I stand with all oppressed people, everywhere, until no one is fighting for freedom.

"I'm from Lebanon, I've lived through more air [raids] by the IDF [Israel Defense Forces] than your tiny privileged brain could ever know how to work through.

"[You] know nothing but tall tales of a land that doesn't belong to you, created by a military that has nothing to do with your peaceful god loving religion. Don't you ever disrespect me and my experience with what geopolitical war is again you man child."

After she publicly shared the messages, Rosenberg called Khalifa's response "unhinged and ridiculous."

"The idea of demanding that people take sides hours after finding out that innocent people had been slaughtered was so counterproductive and hateful," he told Newsweek via email.

"I don't care that she posted our direct message. I didn't consider her a friend. I was trying to avoid being messy on a day that's not about myself or Mia Khalifa."

In November, Khalifa's support for anti-Israel activists sparked further debate, with some commenters labeling her a "terrorist sympathizer."

Khalifa reposted a New York Post article to X about two activists ripping down posters highlighting the hostages taken by Hamas. In response to the story, Khalifa offered to cover the girls "privacy services and protections to make sure they're safe," asking anyone who knew of their identity to contact her directly.

Noah Schnapp

On October 11, Stranger Things star Noah Schnapp sparked uproar online with his statement on the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The Jewish actor told followers on Instagram: "You either stand with Israel or you stand with terrorism," causing outrage.

The remark was part of a longer discussion on the topic, with the 19-year-old writing: "As a Jewish American, I am afraid. Afraid for my brothers and sisters in Israel, who have been senselessly attacked by Hamas.

"I am truly heartbroken to see the brutal murders of innocent children, women and soldiers fighting to defend themselves."

Although Schnapp hit back at pro-Palestinian followers, he did accept that Hamas doesn't represent all Palestinians. However, he seemed to double down on his initial sentiments in the weeks that followed, posting a video with stickers that read "Zionism is Sexy" and "Hamas is Isis."

As a result of Schnapp's posts, some Stranger Things fans have threatened to boycott the show, in which Schnapp stars as Will Byers. The actor has also been hemorrhaging followers on social media, losing over 490,000 followers on Instagram and more than 11,000 on X in just 30 days.

Selena Gomez and Rare Beauty

On October 30, Selena Gomez took to Instagram to respond to fans asking why she had yet to comment on the Israel-Hamas conflict.

In a Story post, the 30-year-old explained she'd taken a mental health break from social media due to the upsetting content surrounding the war, telling followers that her "heart breaks to see all of the horror, hate, violence and terror that's going on in the world."

"People being tortured and killed or any act of hate towards any group is horrific," the Only Murders in the Building star said. "We need to protect all people, especially children, and stop the violence for good."

"I'm sorry if my words will never be enough for everyone or a hashtag," she continued.

"I just can't stand by innocent people [getting] hurt. That's what makes me sick. I wish I could change the world, but a post won't."

However, fans disagreed with Gomez's assertion that a post can't change the world, since the singer has over 430 million followers on Instagram and 66.6 million subscribers on X.

"You've been given one of the biggest platforms on social media and this is what you do with it?" asked one user, while another commented: "Only selena gomez would find a way to make a genocide about herself."

Although Gomez's statement on the conflict was neutral, some consumers threatened to boycott her cosmetics line, Rare Beauty, over claims that CEO Scott Friedman is a "Zionist."

Social media users shared screenshots of Friedman's Instagram follow list, which includes the IDF, Jewish Resistance and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

A statement released by Rare Beauty on November 6 caused further controversy. In a post to Instagram, the brand said it was "devastated by the images & reports coming from the Middle East," expressing sorrow for Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

"Thousands of innocent Palestinian civilians have been killed in Israeli airstrikes & millions of civilians have been displaced & left without access to food, water, medicine, or basic necessities for survival," the statement read.

"A large number of these victims are children. Palestinian civilians must be protected, period."

The brand denounced antisemitism and Islamophobia and said it would also be making donations to humanitarian organizations, urging followers to do the same. However, followers were not convinced, accusing Rare Beauty of posting the statement only to avoid a boycott.

Susan Sarandon

On November 4, actress Susan Sarandon shared a photo of herself on stage at the #March4Palestine rally in Washington D.C. to X.

"You don't have to be Palestinian to care about what's happening in Gaza," the 77-year-old captioned the snap, which also featured the Palestinian Feminist Collective. "I stand with Palestine. No one is free until everyone is free."

Although the Oscar winner is well known for her activist work and has vocally supported Palestinians in the past, her attendance at the rally divided followers. Some praised the Thelma and Louise star for speaking out, while others accused her of standing "with murderers" and backing Hamas.

Since being shared, her post has received 6.7 million views and over 12,000 comments.

Timothée Chalamet

On November 11, actor Timothée Chalamet was slammed for appearing in a Saturday Night Live! skit that featured a joke about Hamas. In the sketch with comedy trio Please Don't Destroy, the 27-year-old starred as a suicidal musician in a band with a controversial name.

"Come on, man, there must be someone or something you care about," comedian John Higgins asks Chalamet, whose character is about the dive off a ledge.

"Yeah, I guess. It's my music," the Dune star responds. "I make music. I'm too much of a coward to show anyone."

The group begs Chalamet to play them a song, which he blares from a speaker. Although the trio are unimpressed by the sound, they pretend to enjoy it and offer to share his music online if he won't kill himself.

However, when Chalamet tells them his band is called Hamas, they backtrack, with Martin Herlihy saying: "Yeah, dude, I'm not sharing a song by Hamas on Instagram."

After being shared on social media the following day, many fans were unamused by the joke, with one user dubbing the sketch "one of the worst skits of all time."

"They really wanna get this show cancelled I see," said another, while a third commented: "I did not like this one bit; unfunny and disrespectful to the lives lost and what is currently happening."

There have also been boycott calls for his upcoming film Wonka. Released on December 15, the musical fantasy film focuses on a young Willy Wonka from Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, with Chalamet starring in the titular role.