Disney Increases Security For Gal Gadot After Death Threats Over Pro-Israeli Comments!

Gal Gadot, best known for her role as Wonder Woman, has found herself at the center of controversy and safety concerns after publicly voicing her support for Israel during the Israel-Hamas conflict. The backlash she received from some factions of the public has been so intense that Disney reportedly hired additional security to protect her during her ongoing promotional work for Snow White.

Backlash Over Political Stances

The conflict began when Gadot’s Snow White co-star, Rachel Zegler, expressed her support for Palestine in 2023. Zegler’s post, which read “free Palestine,” was made as she thanked fans for helping the film’s first promo reach 120 million views. This message, shared on social media, sparked a wave of controversy, with some fans criticizing Zegler for mixing her political views with her role in the film.

As a result, some of the hate directed at Zegler eventually spilled over to Gadot, who is Israeli. The situation worsened when Gadot herself publicly supported Israel following a deadly attack by Hamas at the Nova Music Festival in October 2023. Her Instagram post, which read, “I stand with Israel, you should too,” ignited further anger from those opposed to her stance.

The Growing Threat to Gal Gadot

The hate aimed at Gadot escalated significantly after she voiced her support for Israel. In the wake of the attack, the actress, who had remained relatively neutral on political matters in the past, felt compelled to speak out. She described her decision to speak up as a personal one, influenced by the horrific nature of the attacks.

“I could not be silent,” Gadot explained, recounting the horrors of October 7th, when families were torn apart, and innocent lives were lost. However, her decision to take a stance led to a surge in online hate, and threats that required Disney to increase her security. The star, who is also known for her role in Red Notice, was reportedly shocked by the amount of hate she received. Despite her decision to focus on her role as an artist and entertainer, the backlash continued to grow.

Zegler’s Comments and the Fallout

Rachel Zegler’s comments, particularly her “free Palestine” post, were met with mixed reactions, and while some criticized her for using her platform to share political beliefs, others defended her right to do so. Zegler, 23, made the post on X (formerly Twitter) in August 2023, at the same time as promoting Snow White. The controversy surrounding her message became even more intense when it later emerged that Gadot, as the star of the film, was also drawn into the drama, with many accusing her of being aligned with the opposite side.

An insider told Variety that Zegler did not fully understand the impact her actions would have on the film and on Gadot personally. As one of the lead stars, Zegler’s public stance on Palestine inadvertently placed Gadot in the crosshairs of criticism, despite their differing views on the matter.

Disney Responds with Extra Security

In light of the escalating situation, Disney took action to ensure Gadot’s safety, reportedly hiring additional security to protect her during her promotional work for Snow White. The company’s decision was likely spurred by the threats Gadot received, including hateful messages and protests.

In March 2024, Gadot’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony was interrupted by pro-Palestinian demonstrators who voiced their opposition to her political stance. The protests outside the event included signs like “No Other Land Won Oscar” and “Heroes Fight Like Palestinians.” Despite the protests, Gadot maintained her resolve, continuing to stand by her beliefs, though she admitted to being deeply shocked by the intensity of the backlash.

Moving Forward Amid Controversy

Despite the ongoing controversy, Gadot remains focused on her work. She has stated that she does not wish to delve into politics publicly anymore, instead preferring to use her platform to entertain and inspire. However, the impact of her statements and the subsequent hate she faced are a stark reminder of the challenges celebrities face when navigating political issues in the public eye.

The situation with Gal Gadot highlights the difficulties of balancing personal beliefs with the expectations of a global audience. For now, she continues her career, with extra security and the support of her fans, while standing firm in her stance. However, the story is far from over, as tensions continue to simmer around her and her co-stars, making the future of Snow White’s promotion a potentially tricky road ahead.