Why was Gal Gadot called 'Genocide Barbie'?
The nickname "Genocide Barbie" for Gal Gadot didn't come out of nowhere—it's tied to a specific context and a fair bit of internet drama. Gadot, known for her role as Wonder Woman and her Miss Israel title, found herself in hot water over a tweet she posted in 2021 during the Israel-Palestine conflict.
In her tweet, she expressed her heartbreak over the situation, calling for an end to the hostilities. However, she specifically mentioned Israel and its neighbors, without explicitly acknowledging Palestine. This omission, combined with her past service in the Israeli Defense Forces (a mandatory stint for Israeli citizens), sparked a backlash. Critics accused her of supporting or whitewashing the actions of the Israeli military, which some consider to be oppressive towards Palestinians.
Enter the term "Genocide Barbie." This moniker was created by those who felt that Gadot, with her Hollywood star status and glamorous image, was a pretty face masking what they saw as the harsh realities of the conflict. It's a stark contrast to her on-screen persona as Wonder Woman, who stands for justice and peace. The nickname was meant to highlight this perceived disconnect between her public image and the realities of the conflict, albeit in a rather provocative and polarizing way.
Now, whether this nickname is fair or not is a whole other can of worms. Some argue it's an unfair characterization that simplifies a complex issue and ignores Gadot's own background and experiences. Others see it as a valid critique of how celebrities can unintentionally or otherwise, become symbols for larger political or social issues.