16-5-2024 (SINGAPORE) Prominent Malaysian figures, including Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh, are facing significant backlash over their perceived silence on the Gaza crisis and their association with brands linked to Israel. The controversy has led to their inclusion on a “blockout” list circulating on social media.
On May 13, a Facebook user named Liena Bunkerz posted the “Malaysian Celebrity and Influencers Block List,” featuring around 30 names. This list, which includes actresses Anna Jobling and Neelofa, has been shared 6,000 times as of May 16. The list is part of the broader “Blockout 2024” movement, which encourages social media users to boycott these celebrities by blocking their accounts on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter).
The Associated Press reports that the Blockout 2024 movement is a form of protest against celebrities who have either remained silent or insufficiently spoken out against Israel’s actions in Gaza amid its conflict with Hamas. By blocking these public figures, users aim to reduce the visibility and engagement of their content, ultimately impacting their income derived from social media interactions.
Michelle Yeoh has not been vocal about the conflict. However, on March 10, she described calls for a Gaza ceasefire around the Oscars ceremony as “worrying” in an interview with the AP. Recently, on May 3, she received the Presidential Medal of Honour from US President Joe Biden, an accolade given to individuals who have significantly contributed to the security and civilian life of the United States. The US has continued to support Israel during the Gaza conflict, with Reuters reporting on May 15 that the State Department was moving a US$1 billion weapons aid package for Israel to congressional review.
The Facebook post listing Malaysian personalities for blocking included a message expressing disappointment: “Even though I am a huge fan of some of them, I am forced to block them. I can’t compromise with people who don’t have common sense about our brothers in G4z4 (Gaza).”
The Blockout 2024 movement gained momentum following the Met Gala in New York on May 6. A video posted by TikTok influencer Haley Kalil, where she lip-synced “let them eat cake” outside the event, sparked outrage. The phrase, historically attributed to Marie Antoinette, symbolises a disconnect from the struggles of ordinary people. The visual opulence of the Met Gala contrasted sharply with the stark images from Gaza, further fueling the movement.
Reports indicate that celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, and Billie Eilish have lost substantial followings on their social media accounts due to the Blockout movement. Chloe Lim, an account director at DSTNCT, noted that the Met Gala’s “sheer visual spectacle” was particularly jarring against the backdrop of the Gaza conflict.
The blockout has not been limited to Malaysian and American celebrities. International fans have also targeted K-pop stars, and an Indonesian social media account, blockout.idn, is calling for boycotts of Indonesian celebrities and brands over their stance or silence on Gaza.
The conflict, which escalated following Hamas’s October 7 attack on southern Israel, resulting in over 1,170 deaths, mostly civilians, has seen a severe Israeli military retaliation. The Gaza health ministry reports at least 35,233 casualties, primarily civilians, amid dire food shortages and the threat of famine due to an Israeli siege.
Malaysia, a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause, continues to advocate for a two-state solution. During a three-day visit to Qatar, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim met with Hamas leaders, urging Israel to cease its attacks on Palestinians and release all Palestinian prisoners. He reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to mobilising efforts to assist Gaza war victims.
