Social media users block celebrities in solidarity with Palestine

Every year, the Met Gala courts controversy, but in 2024, a TikTok audio track ignited outrage before the event even began. Influencer Haley Kalil faced backlash for using a snippet from the film ‘Marie Antoinette,’ featuring the infamous line, ‘Let them eat cake,’ as she showcased her lavish attire. Critics likened the spectacle to ‘The Hunger Games,’ criticising the disconnect between opulence and global suffering, particularly in light of ongoing conflicts like the Gaza crisis.

Social media platforms have become battlegrounds for shaping public discourse, especially concerning the Israel-Palestine conflict. With audiences primarily exposed to the issue through digital channels, platforms like Instagram and TikTok have become outlets for frustration and activism. Simultaneously, a grassroots movement known as ‘Blockout 2024’ emerged, urging users to block celebrities to diminish their influence and redirect attention to pressing global issues.

The Blockout movement has gained momentum, with thousands participating in calls to action on social media. Alongside blocking celebrities, efforts to provide direct aid to Gaza have intensified. Influencers are facing pressure to promote fundraising initiatives like Operation Olive Branch, highlighting the role of social media in mobilising support for humanitarian causes amidst geopolitical conflicts.

While the impact of social media activism remains uncertain, the Blockout movement seems to be a shift towards digital solidarity and accountability. As the conflict unfolds through short-form videos and Instagram posts, the conversation sparked by events like the Met Gala indicates a growing intersection between celebrity culture, social media activism, and global crises.