Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Gal Gadot's Walk of Fame ceremony obstructed by Pro-Palestinian protests

Protesters clash at the Hollywood event honouring Israeli actor Gal Gadot, with tensions rising over her stance on the Gaza conflict

Gal Gadot

Gal Gadot’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star is both a symbol of her success and a lightning rod for political debate

Getty Images

Hollywood actor Gal Gadot, known globally for her roles in Wonder Woman and the Fast & Furious franchise, was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. What was supposed to be a celebratory occasion turned tense as both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protesters clashed outside the venue. The event, which recognised Gadot's contributions to the film industry, became a focal point for political dissent amidst the ongoing Gaza conflict.

Protests break out at the ceremony

The ceremony was overshadowed by dozens of protesters who gathered near the event just before its conclusion. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators carried signs with slogans such as "Heroes Fight Like Palestinians," "No Other Land Won Oscar," and "Viva Viva Palestina." Their messages underscored solidarity with Palestinians in the ongoing Gaza-Israel conflict and opposition to Gadot, who is seen as a symbol of Israeli nationalism by some protestors.


Dozens of protesters gathered near the event just before its conclusionGetty Images

Despite efforts to maintain order, the atmosphere around Hollywood Boulevard became heated. The event was partially shielded by tents, but that did not deter demonstrators from making their presence felt. The protesters chanted slogans including "Up up with liberation, down down with occupation" and "Not another nickel, not another dime, no more money for Israel’s crime." The slogans expressed strong anti-occupation sentiments, critical of Israel's actions in Gaza and US financial support for the Israeli government.

Clashes between protesters

The situation escalated when a pro-Palestinian protester stole an Israeli flag and attempted to flee, prompting police intervention. Tensions were high as both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli groups voiced their opinions, turning what was meant to be a tribute to Gadot into a scene of political conflict. Protesters from both sides engaged in verbal exchanges, though physical violence was largely avoided due to the swift response from law enforcement.

One pro-Palestinian protester, speaking to the media, expressed strong disapproval of Gadot being honoured at the ceremony. "There’s no reason we should be celebrating an Israeli," he said, criticising the actor for failing to use her platform to address the conflict in Gaza. He accused Gadot of "keeping her head in the sand" by not taking a more vocal stance on the humanitarian crisis.

Gal Gadot’s response and gratitude

Amidst the protests, Gal Gadot remained focused on the honour being bestowed upon her. Speaking at the ceremony, she expressed deep gratitude for her journey and the recognition she was receiving. "I’m just a girl from a town in Israel," Gadot said, reflecting on her career. "This star will remind me that with hard work and passion and some faith, anything is possible."

Gal GadotGadot warmly referred to her colleagues as familyGetty Images

Gadot also took time to acknowledge those who played pivotal roles in her rise to stardom. She gave a special shout-out to filmmaker Patty Jenkins, with whom she worked on the Wonder Woman films, and actor Vin Diesel, who helped launch her career by casting her in the Fast & Furious series. "You took a chance on a complete unknown and invited me to the Fast and Furious family, talk about starting big," Gadot said of Diesel. "It was my first movie ever, and your faith in me completely changed the course of my life." Gadot warmly referred to her colleagues as family, underlining the importance of the relationships she has built over the years.

A career in full bloom

Despite the controversy, Gal Gadot’s career continues to flourish. She is set to appear as the Evil Queen in Disney's upcoming live-action remake of Snow White, a highly anticipated release that has been generating buzz in the lead-up to its premiere. Starring Rachel Zegler in the title role, the film is scheduled to hit theatres on March 21. Gadot’s portrayal of the iconic villain is expected to offer a fresh take on the character, marking a departure from her previous heroic roles.

Gal GadotGal Gadot’s career continues to flourishGetty Images

As she looks ahead to this major release, the protests surrounding her Walk of Fame ceremony serve as a reminder of the challenges that come with being a public figure, especially one as prominent as Gadot. While the actor has long been vocal about her support for Israel, the ongoing Gaza conflict has thrust her even further into the political spotlight. Critics continue to call for her to take a more active stance on the humanitarian issues at play, while her supporters maintain that her success in Hollywood is worthy of recognition, regardless of her political views.

A symbol of division and success

Gal Gadot’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star is both a symbol of her success and a lightning rod for political debate. As protests continue to break out around global issues, Gadot’s ceremony is a stark reminder that even in the glamorous world of Hollywood, political tensions are never far from the surface. For some, Gadot is an emblem of national pride and achievement; for others, her success is inseparable from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

In the face of these opposing views, Gadot’s words at the ceremony offer a message of perseverance and hope: "With hard work and passion... anything is possible." Whether celebrated or contested, Gal Gadot’s journey from a small town in Israel to the heights of Hollywood is undeniably remarkable. It continues to captivate audiences while sparking debate.

More For You

Simone Ashley Calls Filming Brad Pitt’s F1 ‘Craziest Ever’

Simone Ashley calls filming Brad Pitt’s F1 movie at real Grand Prix races ‘One of the craziest things ever

Getty Images

Simone Ashley calls filming Brad Pitt’s 'F1' at real Grand Prix races ‘one of the craziest things ever'

The high-speed world of Formula 1 racing is getting the Hollywood treatment, and actress Simone Ashley is sharing what it was like to be part of the action. Starring alongside Brad Pitt in the upcoming racing drama F1, Ashley described the experience as one of the most intense and thrilling projects she has ever worked on.

Directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for Top Gun: Maverick, F1 was filmed in collaboration with all ten Formula 1 teams, adding an authentic touch to the high-octane film. The cast, including Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, and Javier Bardem, had the unique challenge of shooting scenes while real Grand Prix races were underway.

Keep ReadingShow less
JK Rowling’s Subtle Dig at Harry Potter Stars: What Happened?

The ongoing rift between Rowling and the trio resurfaced in 2024

Getty Images

JK Rowling quietly criticises Harry Potter stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint on social media

Author JK Rowling has seemingly reignited tensions with former Harry Potter stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, appearing to take a veiled dig at the actors on social media. The 59-year-old author, who has been at the centre of controversy in recent years due to her views on transgender rights, made a comment that has widely been interpreted as aimed at the trio.

Rowling’s stance on transgender issues has led to public disagreements with the former child actors, with whom she once shared a close relationship. The three stars of the blockbuster Wizarding World franchise have distanced themselves from Rowling's opinions, publicly supporting the trans community in contrast to the author's remarks.

Keep ReadingShow less
Danish Taimoor

Danish Taimoor and Ayeza Khan are two of the most recognisable faces in the Pakistani television industry

Instagram/ danishtaimoor16

Danish Taimoor responds to polygamy backlash, emphasises his love for Ayeza Khan

Pakistani actor Danish Taimoor recently found himself at the centre of online controversy following remarks he made about polygamy. During an episode of the television show Mehfil-e-Ramzan, where his wife, Ayeza Khan, was a guest, the actor’s comment regarding his right to marry multiple times sparked criticism on social media. Despite the backlash, Danish has addressed the controversy, standing by his comments while offering further context.

The remarks that sparked controversy

The controversy started during an episode of Mehfil-e-Ramzan, a show dedicated to discussions on religion and family during the holy month of Ramadan. Danish Taimoor, who was hosting, had his wife Ayeza Khan as a guest. During their conversation, he made a remark that drew attention online: "Mujhe ijazat hai chaar shaadiyon ki, main kar nahi raha hoon, voh alag baat hai. Lekin yeh ijazat mujhe Allah ne di hai, jo koi mujhse cheen nahi sakta" (I have permission to have four marriages; the fact that I am not doing so is a different matter. But Allah has given me this permission, and no one can take it away from me).

Keep ReadingShow less
Charli XCX and A24 Collaborate on The Moment Mockumentary

Charli XCX on set for The Moment, her debut A24 film featuring Alexander Skarsgård and a star-studded cast

Getty Images

Charli XCX begins filming A24's 'The Moment', co-starring Alexander Skarsgård

Filming has begun in London for The Moment, a new A24 film starring and produced by British singer-songwriter Charli XCX. Known for her music, Charli is now venturing into filmmaking with this project, which is said to offer a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a rising pop star.

Directed by Aidan Zamiri, a long-time collaborator who has directed several of Charli’s music videos, the film boasts a star-studded cast. Alexander Skarsgård, Rosanna Arquette, Trew Mullen, Isaac Cole Powell, Rish Shah, Kate Berlant, and Jamie Demetriou are all set to appear in the feature.

Keep ReadingShow less
Shekhar Kapur Calls Out Amazon for Censoring Bandit Queen

Shekhar Kapur criticizes Amazon Prime for altering Bandit Queen without consent

Getty Images

Shekhar Kapur praises 'Adolescence': “A game-changer in storytelling that redefines how we connect with characters”

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur has expressed his frustration over the changes made to his 1994 film Bandit Queen on Amazon Prime Video, claiming it has been edited beyond recognition without his consent. His remarks came after he praised the Netflix miniseries Adolescence for its innovative storytelling, pointing out the creative limitations faced by Indian filmmakers.

Kapur took to social media to commend Adolescence, calling it a game-changer in storytelling. He noted that the series defies traditional narrative structures and allows viewers to deeply connect with its characters. However, while applauding the British crime drama, he also raised concerns about the restrictions imposed on Indian creators by streaming platforms.

Keep ReadingShow less