In a dramatic show of opposition, pro-Palestine demonstrators halted the screening of Gal Gadot’s new film The Runner in London.
The protesters, chanting “shame on you” and banging drums, aimed their criticism squarely at the Israeli actress, whose political views have sparked controversy in recent months.
Gadot, known for her role as Wonder Woman, has voiced strong support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza, particularly following the attacks by Hamas on October 7.
Protesters Call Out Gal Gadot Over Her Support for Israel
Footage captured by the group Eye on Palestine showed the protesters, including a man with a dog, standing in front of the police officers, chanting slogans like “your hands are bloody” and “we can’t deal with genocide.”
This demonstration was a response to Gadot’s outspoken support for Israel, which has drawn widespread criticism, especially in the wake of the ongoing conflict.
Gal Gadot’s Role in The Runner Amid Controversy
Gadot, 40, who served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) before becoming a Hollywood star, had reportedly been replaced by a body double for her scenes in The Runner during the protest.
In the film, Gadot portrays a high-powered attorney racing through London to save her kidnapped son.
Despite her absence from the premiere, the film still proceeded with its production under the direction of David Kosse and his London-based company, Rockwood Pictures.
Tensions Continue Over Gadot’s Hollywood Roles
The controversy surrounding Gadot has only intensified with her involvement in other projects.
Most notably, her participation in Disney’s Snow White has faced backlash due to her public support for Israel, which led to a reported feud with co-star Rachel Zegler.
Despite a positive relationship initially, tensions rose when Zegler began sharing her pro-Palestine views, creating a rift on set.
Additionally, the Snow White remake faced a significant setback when Lebanon banned the film due to Gadot’s ties to Israel and her IDF service.
The Larger Debate: War Crimes and Pop Culture
Eye on Palestine, in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), emphasized that their protest was not just about Gadot, but rather about the normalization of war crimes within the entertainment industry.
The group argued that celebrities who support military actions tied to controversial political stances should be held accountable for their actions, and that disrupting such events is a necessary form of activism.
Legal and Ethical Implications of Foreign Service
The protest also brought attention to the issue of British nationals serving in foreign armed forces.
Paul Heron, legal director of the Public Interest Law Centre, expressed his shock at the number of British citizens who have joined the IDF.
This issue has become even more pertinent following a report accusing ten British nationals of involvement in alleged war crimes during their service.
What’s Next?
With tensions continuing to rise over the intersection of celebrity, politics, and activism, it remains to be seen how the entertainment industry will respond to these protests and how they might affect Gadot’s future projects.
One thing is clear: the conversation about celebrities and their political stances is far from over.