TikTokers urge social media users to block celebrities silent on Gaza genocide

After the Met Gala 2024, the extravagant international event, took place with all its opulence amidst Israel’s attacks on Rafah, netizens slammed celebrities for their tone-deaf silence on the ongoing genocide in Gaza despite their significant influence.

The criticism fueled a trend initiated by TikTok users. The movement called for a mass "block out" of celebrities deemed either pro-Israel or reluctant to express support for Palestine.

Fueling the fire was a TikTok video by influencer Haley Kalil in Met Gala outfit, saying, "Let them eat cake." 

The phrase clearly referencing Marie Antoinette's infamous quote during the French famine, was seen as insensitive to the suffering in Gaza.

@localwinemum

This influencer was at the Met Gala, dressed up like a capitol member while using a sound that is famously associated with rich (white) people not caring about any issues in the world and is being criticized for it. The behavior is especially horrible when you look at what else happened at the night of the Met Gala #fyp #foryou #fy

♬ original sound - seba

“When we hate on them, they make money, when we praise them, they make money, but when we block their social media accounts and completely forget their names, they lose it all. The amount of attention and engagement we give them is their direct currency,” a user “blockout2024” handle said.

“When you have millions of followers looking at your content every single day, you have an opportunity to make very important changes in our world,” the same user added.

Inspired by the movement, other TikTok users began circulating lists of celebrities they felt should be blocked.

@blockout2024

You can also block news outlets that clickbait and artists on spotify

♬ original sound - blockout2024

Another user stated that the mass blocking strategy had already prompted some celebrities to address the situation in Palestine. 

“We have all the power, don't let them tell you otherwise. They are all terrified of losing their revenue because our attention is their money," a TikToker with the username Boots Dump said in a video.

However, some urged for continued blocking, as these statements might be “face-saving” tactics and celebrities might simply revert to promoting pro-Israeli narratives once the initial pressure subsides.

There are prominent Hollywood figures who have openly supported Zionism and opposed the ceasefire in Gaza, including Gal Gadot, Madonna, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Amy Schumer, Timothee Chalamet.

In October, just days after the Israeli assault on Gaza, a group of 700 Hollywood figures penned an open letter expressing solidarity with Israel.