Gal Gadot says she was “shocked” by the hatred she faced after publicly supporting Israel: “I had to speak up, it’s my homeland, I had to…..”
Gal Gadot, the Israeli actress best known for her role as Wonder Woman, has opened up about the intense backlash she encountered after expressing public support for her home country, Israel. In a candid interview that has reignited debates about celebrity activism and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Gadot revealed she was “shocked” by the vitriol directed at her, describing the experience as both disheartening and eye-opening. “I had to speak up, it’s my homeland, I had to stand for what I believe in,” she said, her voice tinged with resolve as she addressed the personal toll of her decision. The remarks come amid a polarized global conversation, with Gadot’s stance thrusting her into a firestorm of criticism and praise alike.
The controversy began in May 2021, when Gadot posted a statement on social media calling for peace during a period of heightened violence between Israel and Hamas. “My heart breaks,” she wrote at the time. “Israel deserves to live as a free and safe nation; our neighbors deserve the same.” While intended as a plea for coexistence, the post drew immediate ire from pro-Palestinian activists who accused her of ignoring the plight of Palestinians and aligning with Israeli government policies. The backlash escalated quickly—her Instagram comments flooded with accusations of propaganda, and hashtags like #BoycottGalGadot trended on X. Some even targeted her past service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), a mandatory requirement for Israeli citizens, as evidence of complicity in oppression.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Gadot admitted she underestimated the reaction. “I was shocked by how much hatred came my way,” she said. “I’ve always tried to use my platform to spread love and unity, so to see it twisted into something so ugly was hard.” Born and raised in Petah Tikva, Israel, Gadot has never shied away from her roots. Her military service at age 18, where she worked as a combat fitness instructor, and her pride in her heritage have been recurring themes in her public persona. Yet, speaking out in 2021 marked a turning point, transforming her from a beloved Hollywood star into a polarizing figure overnight. “It’s my homeland,” she reiterated. “I couldn’t stay silent when I saw it under attack.”
The fallout was swift and unrelenting. Online, critics branded her a “Zionist mouthpiece,” while others called for boycotts of her films, including the Wonder Woman franchise and her recent Netflix hit, Red Notice. Some fans expressed disappointment, feeling her statement lacked nuance or acknowledgment of Palestinian suffering. “She’s a superhero to so many, but this felt one-sided,” one X user wrote, capturing a sentiment shared by detractors. Conversely, supporters rallied behind her, praising her courage. “Gal stood up for her people when it wasn’t easy—respect,” another user posted, reflecting the admiration of those who saw her as a voice for Israel in a hostile media landscape.
For Gadot, the experience has been a lesson in the limits of celebrity influence. “I didn’t expect it to become so personal,” she confessed. “People didn’t just disagree—they hated me for it.” The actress, who has built a career on portraying strong, principled women, found herself navigating a real-life battle that tested her resilience. She insisted her intent was never to inflame tensions but to highlight a desire for peace—a message she believes was lost in the noise. “I had to keep going, to show that speaking your truth matters, even when it’s hard,” she added, hinting at the emotional weight of the backlash.
Hollywood’s response has been notably muted. While some peers privately expressed solidarity, few have publicly backed Gadot, perhaps wary of wading into the fraught Israeli-Palestinian debate. The industry, often quick to champion progressive causes, has a complicated relationship with this conflict, with stars like Scarlett Johansson facing similar criticism for supporting Israel-related projects. Gadot’s situation underscores the tightrope celebrities walk when addressing geopolitics—particularly one as divisive as this. Her Wonder Woman director, Patty Jenkins, offered a rare comment, calling Gadot “brave” but steering clear of the specifics.
The actress hasn’t let the controversy derail her career. She’s continued to work on high-profile projects, including a Cleopatra biopic that’s already stirring its own debates. Yet, the shadow of 2021 lingers. On X, discussions about her stance resurface with each new role, with some vowing to skip her films while others defend her right to speak. “I’m not here to please everyone,” Gadot said, a steely edge to her words. “I had to stand by my values, even if it cost me.”
As the dust settles, Gadot’s ordeal raises broader questions about fame, identity, and the cost of conviction. For a woman who’s embodied a symbol of justice on screen, the real-world backlash has been a stark contrast. “It’s my homeland,” she repeated, a mantra that encapsulates her defiance. Whether the hatred fades or follows her, Gadot remains unbowed—proof that even superheroes face battles no script can prepare them for.
