Since Hamas' surprise attack on Israel last month, many celebrities have shared their thoughts on the war. While several have chosen to remain neutral, others have thrown their support behind either Israel or the Palestinians, with Halsey the latest star to post a statement.
On October 7, the militant group Hamas attacked Israel by land, air and sea, killing roughly 1,200 Israeli people and taking 240 hostages. Israel subsequently launched heavy airstrikes on the Gaza Strip.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that his country was at war and cut off food, fuel, electricity and medicine supplies to Gaza. As of November 15, more than 11,000 people in Gaza had been killed, according to the Associated Press.
Taking to Instagram on November 15, Halsey said she was responding to people asking why she had not spoken about the conflict, especially as the 29-year-old has vocally supported Palestinians in the past.
"A few people have suggested that it's cowardice," she wrote in an Instagram Story. "And to be completely honest, it is. I am, truthfully, exceptionally anxious about navigating my responsibility as a career activist as it pertains to my daily life off of social media: Being the mother of a small child and a member of my community, in addition to the contribution of my greater voice and platform. The global conversation has reached a level of volatility that I'm having a hard time navigating here and offline."
The Grammy-nominated singer said that during her Love and Power tour in 2022, there were a number of "violent and threatening events" that resulted in her home being "swatted." She also told followers that snipers were present for protection during last year's shows, and as a result, she decided not to share her opinions to protect her family.
"However, it doesn't sit right with me that a decision I made for my own family is in turn keeping me from vocalizing support for families enduring far worse violence," she said. "Families caught between the brawling hands of a militarized government and a terrorist organization, and the diaspora of both parties trying to get through each and every day."
Halsey, whose real name is Ashley Nicolette Frangipane, said she has "no meaningful statement" on the conflict, or an excuse to "justify my weeks or silence."
"I deeply despise the culture of deflecting responsibility to save face in front of the audience demanding comment," she said. "So instead I'm coming here to call it what is it, admit my regret, and reaffirm my stance regarding the liberation of the Palestinian people."
Concluding her post, she said she will be donating to relief and support organizations, and slammed antisemitism and Islamophobia.
"My politics are uncomplicated and remain unchanged," she added. "I condemn any organized body of power unleashing acts of violence against innocent civilians. I stand against hate speech in all forms. I stand for freedom and the right to live safely."
Halsey releases statement in support of Palestine, admits she didn’t speak earlier out of fear:
“A few people have suggested that it's cowardice. And to be completely honest, it is. […] I'm coming here to call it for what it is, admit my regret, and reaffirm my stance regarding… pic.twitter.com/lHqJMVfCPS
— Pop Base (@PopBase) November 15, 2023
Newsweek has reached out to Halsey via email for comment.
Since being shared on X, formerly Twitter, by user Pop Base, Halsey's statement has received at least 2.3 million views outside of Instagram.
Many applauded the Colors singer, with user poppy writing: "i knew we could trust you halsey."
"She stands in support of the correct side of history and we love her for that," said Steven.
"A lot of these hollywood artists should take notes," wrote fazpo.
Hammad agreed, commenting: "It takes a lot of courage to acknowledge one's regrets and stand up for what is right. It's important to support the liberation and rights of all people, including the Palestinian people."
However, others slammed the star for her statement, with ras ali writing: "Well this was random. who was asking for her stance?"
"She is hopping on the bandwagon to get her name out again," said p.
"We stand with Israel," wrote @Dot4PF, while Suvarna called the post a "'here I said something now stop complaining' kind of statement..."
"Glad they finally spoke up, glad she admits regret but no mention [about] her Zionist manager or her makeup brand shipping to is*ael etc etc," they continued.
"Not one mention of the genocide, ethnic cleansing, and having a Zionist manager."
Halsey has previously expressed her support for Palestinians. In a tweet from May 13, 2021, the singer—who was four months pregnant at the time—shared the story of Reema Saad, a 31-year-old pregnant woman who was killed in an Israeli air raid along with her 29-year-old husband and two children.
"Eid Mubarak from my family to yours," she said in the post. "As we are celebrating and expecting our first child, I am thinking of Reema Saad (allah yarhamha) who was 4 months pregnant and murdered along with her family and two small children.
"Pray for the end of this suffering #freepalestine."
Halsey isn't the only famous face to support Palestinians in recent weeks, leading to mixed responses from fans. Lebanese former adult film star Mia Khalifa lost her podcasting contract with Playboy after calling Hamas freedom fighters on social media, while Swedish singer Zara Larsson was criticized for comparing the Israel-Hamas conflict to Russia and Ukraine, writing on Instagram: "Oh so it's stand with Ukraine when Russia invades but not Palesti-"
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