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Emma Watson has faced a wave of backlash on Instagram as she joins the list of celebrities getting “blocked” by fans over taking no action regarding the humanitarian crisis coming as a result of the Israel-Hamas war. The Harry Potter actress, 34, posted in mid-April to mark her birthday, sharing a gallery of images that opened with her posing in a wet tank top, sandwiching her photo between two posts showing only a black cube.
While Emma voiced support for the Palestinian people in 2022, she has not made any headlines for speaking out since Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking hundreds hostage. The attack, which also included rapes, launched the ongoing response from Israel, with the Palestinian people now subject to full-blown war as fighting occurs from both sides. Over 35,000 Palestinians are estimated to have died in attacks, with many now starving and without basic supplies.
Emma Watson Faces Instagram Backlash After Birthday Snap
The April 15 snap showed Emma shot in black and white. Gazing to the side and wet-haired, the British sensation stunned in a wet tank top, showing off her freckles and wearing chic gold jewelry.
In a swipe right, the Prada Beauty ambassador sat down, wearing only wet pants for a tasteful snap showing her without a top on. “34,” she wrote. The posts landing just before and after the photos are empty black cubes with no caption.
Told She’s Been “Blocked”
While the first cube sparked humorous replies, with some even quoting from the Harry Potter series Emma starred in, the second saw fans shift to anger. “Please someone say ‘Lumos!’ cause it’s so dark here” was one reply to the first cube.
The second is a different story. “Not a word about Palestine when it counts. #blockout2024,” one user said, gaining over 400 likes. “Blocked,” another replied. Dubbing the actress a hypocrite, a further fan wrote: “FEMINIST BUT NOT FOR GAZA WOMEN!!”
Also sending shade was a fan who told Emma: “I have looked up to you since your he for she campaign. You inspired my feminist awakening so it saddens me to say I’m blocking you now. Your silence speaks volumes.” They added a “PS,” voicing their support for the Palestinian people.
The “block” list is long and features celebrities including reality star Kim Kardashian, singer Miley Cyrus, former Disney star Zendaya, and actor Zac Efron.
