Selena Gomez found herself in the midst of controversy after sharing a seemingly innocuous picture on Instagram, which quickly ignited a storm of criticism from fans.
The image, featuring Gomez holding a Starbucks cup, drew ire from one follower who accused her of ignorance regarding the ongoing Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel.
Supporters of the BDS campaign have been increasingly calling for a boycott of the famous multinational coffeehouse chain for their continued linkages with Israel despite the latter’s ruthless attacks on Palestinians.
The fan commented, “She really deserves all the hate she can’t be that stupid,” insisting that Gomez’s apparent unawareness of Starbucks’ connection to Israel’s controversial policies toward Palestinians cannot be genuine.
In response, the singer addressed the criticism head-on, admitting her lack of awareness and expressing remorse for any unintended offense caused. She replied to the comment, stating, “I did not know. So apparently I am that stupid. I’m sorry.”
The backlash sheds light on the growing momentum of the BDS movement, which aims to pressure companies and individuals to divest from or boycott Israeli products and institutions in response to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Following Israel’s launch of a military operation after October 7 that has claimed the lives of thousands of Palestinians, Gomez came under fire for her purported lack of solidarity with the cause. After facing immense backlash for claiming that one post won’t make a difference, the singer’s makeup brand’s Instagram page took to share a post that shed light on what they claim is a “humanitarian crisis in Gaza.”
Rare Beauty’s Instagram issued an official notice, sharing their intent to help out and shared the donations the brand had made to International Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies – Magen David Adom and Palestinian Red Crescent Society.
However, one X user pointed out how Gomez was still “both siding” the situation, especially given that Magen David Adom is Israel’s National Emergency Pre-Hospital Medical and Blood Services Organization. “She’s donating to Magen David Adom who support the IDF and the killing of Palestinian kids,” said the user of the site formerly known as Twitter. “This is a ‘both sides’ post. Why are you donating to MDA which is literally supporting the IDF? Supporting both sides is not activism.”