Swifties criticized for pressuring Taylor Swift to speak out on Palestine conflict
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Swifties took to the social media platform X on Wednesday, May 29 to demand that Taylor Swift should "speak now" on Gaza, calling out her silence on the ongoing conflict.
The hashtag #SwiftiesForPalestine was trending on X, and it garnered around more than 105,000 posts by Wednesday, May 29.
The online outcry follows an Israeli airstrike in Rafah over the weekend that killed at least 45 Palestinians and incited fury throughout the world. Since then, a number of famous people including Ariana Grande and Kehlani have posted messages on social media endorsing a cease-fire.
However, Swift has remained silent, prompting her fans to turn to social media.
Swifties demand Taylor Swift's word on the Gaza conflict
Under the #SwiftiesForPalestine hashtag, fans posted photos of themselves holding signs reading “We Demand Swift Action!” and “Swifties For Palestine” outside the singer’s Eras Tour venues in Europe.
Additionally, a letter circulated by fans on X urged the singer to utilize her considerable platform to advocate for the Palestinian cause.
"As an internationally renowned and significant artist, your voice has the ability to impact and draw attention to crucial problems affecting millions of people worldwide,” the letter said. “Today, I am writing to urge you to speak out against the current humanitarian crisis and decades-long genocide in Palestine.”
.@taylorswift13 your silence has been deafening and in times like these you should speak up!! #SpeakNow #SwiftiesForPalestine there are children being burned alive and beheaded in rafah so SPEAK NOW TAYLOR #FreePalestine pic.twitter.com/U56rZN6zHD
— robin 🍉 (@folkwhvre) May 29, 2024
The letter added, "The international community, including many influential voices, has called for justice and peace, yet the agony still continues.”
“Your influence transcends borders, and your words have the power to reach and activate an extensive audience, including people who are unaware of the severity of the genocide. Speaking out about the Palestinian genocide would not only be consistent with your history of advocating for the victims, but it could also encourage your millions of fans to learn and take action to help,” it further said.
“Your smallest action could make a significant difference in amplifying these pleas for pressing for real change. Free Palestine,” the letter concluded.
The trending hashtag follows the online 'Blockout' campaign, during which social media users began blocking celebrities who had not spoken out about the war in Gaza.
It is important to note that Swift had stayed quiet about politics from the beginning of her career.
Swifties trolled for pressuring Taylor Swift
Several people on social media disapproved of the Swifties' idea to ask Taylor to speak out on Gaza.
An Instagram user wrote, "Why don't they pressure Hamas to release the hostages and to surrender?"
A user wrote, "I think she's smart enough to stay completely out of this." Another user said, "Don't force people to speak. It's disrespectful."
A user said, "This is EXACTLY why she needs to stay out of all politics." A user said, "It's not her problem or the USA problem." [sic]
A user said, "How about she just sticks to music!!!!"
While a user wrote, "This is so dumb."
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
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