On May 7, the Met Gala took place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, drawing in numerous A-list celebrities for the annual fashion extravaganza. However, this year's event was met with protests as dozens of pro-Palestine demonstrators were arrested a block away while marching towards the gala. This led to the emergence of the #Blockout2024 movement, a social media initiative aimed at holding celebrities accountable for their silence or inadequate response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and the devastation in Gaza.
The movement was initiated by a TikTok user who called for followers to block celebrities, influencers, and socialites who were not using their platforms to address the crisis in Gaza. The movement quickly gained momentum, with accounts appearing on TikTok and Instagram listing celebrities deemed as not doing enough to support Palestine.
Celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Justin Bieber were among those targeted by the Blockout List, while others like Zendaya and Nicki Minaj were criticized for being tone-deaf. The movement sparked debates on whether celebrities had done enough to show support, with questions raised about the impact of their actions or lack thereof.
As the movement gained traction, few celebrities have publicly reacted to being targeted. Critics have questioned the effectiveness of the movement, with some labeling it as 'pointless' and 'hypocritical.' Despite the backlash, some celebrities like Lizzo have addressed their silence on the conflict, expressing support for pro-Palestine activism.
While the #Blockout2024 movement continues to unfold, its impact on celebrities' public image and influence remains uncertain. The debate surrounding the movement highlights the complexities of celebrity activism and the power of social media in holding public figures accountable for their actions and statements.
