Dua Lipa has recently defended her decision to speak out against what she describes as the “Israeli genocide,” emphasizing that her actions are for the “greater good.” The pop star, known for her hit “Radical Optimism,” voiced her support for the #AllEyesOnRafah campaign last month. This came in response to Israel’s intensified military operations in Rafah, a city in the southern Gaza Strip.
“Burning children alive can never be justified,” Lipa stated on her Instagram Stories. “The whole world is mobilizing to stop the Israeli genocide. Please show your solidarity with Gaza. #AllEyesOnRafah.”
Lipa’s outspoken stance has not gone unnoticed. She was recently mentioned in an Israeli drill rap song that called for violence against public figures who have expressed pro-Palestinian views. Despite the backlash, Lipa remains resolute. In a recent interview with the Radio Times, she explained that she carefully considers the potential repercussions before making political statements.
“When I speak about things that are political, I double-, triple-check myself to ensure it’s about something much bigger than me,” Lipa said. “It’s always going to be met with backlash and differing opinions, so it’s a big decision. But I balance it out because I believe it’s for the greater good, and I’m willing to take that hit.”
Lipa, born in London to Kosovan-Albanian parents, attributes her political activism to her heritage. “Speaking up is a natural inclination for me, given my background and heritage. My very existence is somewhat political,” she continued.
Last October, Lipa joined other celebrities like Michael Stipe and Cate Blanchett in signing an open letter to U.S. President Joe Biden. The letter called for a ceasefire and urged an end to the bombing of Gaza and the safe release of hostages. She reiterated her stance in an interview with Rolling Stone earlier this year, calling for world leaders to “take a stand.”
“My existence is kind of political, given that I lived in London because my parents fled from the war,” Lipa said. “I feel for people who have to leave their homes. From my experience in Kosovo, I understand what war does. No one wants to leave their home; they do it for protection, to save their family, for a better life. So I feel close to it.”
Lipa expressed her sorrow for the loss of Israeli lives on October 7 but emphasized the need to focus on the lives lost in Gaza. “At the moment, we have to look at how many lives have been lost in Gaza, the innocent civilians, and the lives that are just being lost.”
In May, Lipa said she felt “very close to” people suffering from war, injustices, and inequality. She also addressed the notion that fans don’t want pop stars to be “smart” or “political.” “Not that I’m trying to prove myself in that way, but there is so much more to me than just what I do,” she added.
Currently, Lipa is on a European summer tour and is set to headline Glastonbury 2024 next Friday. She will perform on the iconic Pyramid Stage alongside Coldplay and SZA. Lipa recently revealed that she “manifested” headlining Glastonbury “by album three” early in her career. Her third studio album, “Radical Optimism,” was released on May 3.
Lipa’s activism has sparked a broader conversation about the role of celebrities in political discourse. While some, like Alyssa Milano and Susan Sarandon, have faced significant backlash for their activism, others continue to use their platforms to advocate for change. Milano, a longtime activist, has experienced the vitriol that comes with speaking out on Middle Eastern issues. Sarandon, who has supported Palestinians for years, was recently dropped by her talent agency for a speech calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Despite the risks, many artists believe in the power of their platforms. Hunter Schafer, for example, was arrested during a protest at NBC’s headquarters, amplifying the ceasefire message. On the other hand, celebrities like Debra Messing have faced criticism for their pro-Israel stance, highlighting the polarized nature of the debate.
In the entertainment industry, the consequences of political activism can be severe. Melissa Barrera was fired from the cast of the next “Scream” movie for her pro-Palestinian messages but has continued her activism unabated. She joined a protest at the Sundance Film Festival and expressed no regrets, stating that she feels she is becoming who she is supposed to be.
The debate over whether celebrities should engage in political activism is ongoing. Some argue that their voices matter more than most, while others believe they should refrain from taking sides. Regardless, artists like Dua Lipa continue to use their platforms to advocate for what they believe is right, despite the potential backlash.
