Gillian Anderson Is Coming Under Fire

Gillian Anderson is being targeted on social media after withdrawing from the Web Summit following CEO Paddy Cosgrave's comments about Israel.

The 55-year-old actress was scheduled to speak at the annual tech conference about her soft drink and wellness brand G Spot—along with the company's CEO Rebekah Hall—but the pair pulled out of the event after Cosgrave accused Israel of committing "war crimes" in the Gaza Strip.

On October 7, Hamas led an unprecedented attack Israel by land, sea and air. Israel subsequently fired airstrikes on Gaza. As of October 23, at least 1,400 people have been killed in Israel, The Associated Press reported, citing the Israeli military. At least 4,300 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cut off supplies of food, fuel, electricity and medicine into Gaza, while the Israeli military has ordered 1.1 million people in northern Gaza to relocate to the south.

"War crimes are war crimes even when committed by allies, and should be called out for what they are," the Irish entrepreneur posted to X, the social network formerly known as Twitter, on October 13. Cosgrave later resigned from his post over the comment.

A representative for G Spot said: "We made the decision to withdraw because we recognize that the brands' values do not align."

Anderson also took to social media to clarify her stance. Posting to X, the social network formerly known as Twitter, The X-Files star said: "I don't want there to be any misinterpretation—so let me be clear.

"ALL lives are valuable. No one life is more or less valuable than another.

"We must speak up to demand the protection of all innocent civilian lives and we must speak out against terrorism. The two are not mutually exclusive."

Newsweek has reached out to Gillian Anderson for comment via email.

Her post received over 800,000 views, but sparked uproar online, with Obsidian Shine writing: "Shame on you."

"You are a liar and a hypocrite," said Robin Keogh. "You refused to speak at a summit because Nazi Israel was called out for its butchery against innocent Palestinians."

"For an 'activist' you are certainly staying silent about the genocide that is happening right now," commented Lux Sabourin. "In fact, you seem to support it by cancelling the event."

"War crimes are war crimes," said linny55, while célin wrote: "Gill, a friendly advise: whoever made you post this fire them immediately."

However, other users praised the sentiment, with Miss M commenting: "Well said."

"Too many people think some things are justified one way or another and I just can't think like that," she continued.

"You're loud and clear love, we hear you and we echo your message," agreed James Ashton.

"We Must Cherish Everyone Who Cares About Others; those who hate deserve no attention," said Markus Henry McLaughlin.

"Really sorry to see you to have to explain yourself like this," wrote @quokka0925. "It's amazing how people will interpret a single situation into whatever is comfortable for them. you owe zero explanation for your actions. internet trolls can suck it."

Anderson isn't the only celebrity to cause outrage with their comments on the Israel-Palestinian war.

Stranger Things star Noah Schnapp was slammed on social media after posting: "You either stand with Israel or you stand with terrorism," on Instagram on October 11, while Israeli actress Gal Gadot was criticized for sharing a Star of David graphic, along with the caption: "I stand with Israel you should too."

Lebanese former adult film star Mia Khalifa was dropped by Playboy after calling Hamas "freedom fighters" on X, while actor Mark Ruffalo was dubbed a "typical out of touch liberal" after sharing a petition dedicated to ending "child bloodshed" on both sides of the conflict.