Dua Lipa is retaliating against a group that chastised her for her stand on the rising Israel-Gaza crisis.
In this weekend’s New York Times, the Grammy-winning singer and other celebrities were criticized in a full-page ad for expressing support for and position on Palestine. Funded by Rabbi Shmuley Boteach’s World Values Network, the advertisement featured Lipa alongside sisters Bella and Gigi Hadid, who are both Dutch and Palestinian. “Bella, Gigi, and Dua…” says the narrator “Hamas demands a new Holocaust. Condemn them now,” before accusing the “mega-influencers” of demonizing Israel. On Saturday, Dua took to social media, accusing the World Values Network of “shamelessly using my name to advance their ugly campaign with falsehoods and blatant misrepresentations…”
The Future Nostalgia singer expressed her continued dissatisfaction with Israel’s administration, claiming that it was infringing Palestinians’ human rights. The Warner Bros Records artist stated, “Everyone, regardless of religion or ethnicity, deserves to live in peace in whatever state they choose.” Lipa, who is dating Bella and Gigi’s younger brother, Anwar, said, “I stand in solidarity with all oppressed people and reject all forms of racism.”
The three women are among a growing list of celebrities who’ve expressed support for Palestinians as tensions in the region have risen. Bella Hadid recently took part in a pro-Palestinian rally in Brooklyn and has continued to use her voice to bring attention to the long-running conflict, writing on Instagram, “It has always been #freepalestine, ALWAYS… I have a lot to say about this, but please read and educate yourself for now. This isn’t a religious problem. This isn’t about hurling hatred at one another. This is about years of Israeli colonization, ethnic cleansing, military occupation, and racism against the Palestinian people!”
Keep up with the latest trending music news by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Author: Luke Traina
Photo: Justin Higuchi