‘Operation Blockout’ targets celebrities silent about Gaza
Social media users launch “Operation Blockout” after the Met Gala, targeting celebrities perceived as ignoring humanitarian crises in Gaza and Sudan
A new social media movement, “Operation Blockout,” has emerged, urging users to block celebrities who remain silent on the Gaza conflict. This campaign has rapidly gained momentum on platforms like TikTok, with the hashtag #Blockout2024 trending widely.
The movement began following the annual Met Gala on May 6, where celebrities showcased extravagant styles while conflicts in Gaza and Sudan continued to cause devastation.
The genesis of ‘Operation Blockout’
“Operation Blockout” began as a response to celebrities’ perceived inadequate reactions to ongoing humanitarian crises. In Gaza, over 35,233 people, mainly women and children, have died during as a result of the ongoing seven-month war.
Sudan has also suffered, with more than 14,000 deaths and widespread atrocities reported. These severe situations have led to international condemnation and calls for action from celebrities, who hold significant influence.
Social media users, particularly on TikTok, have voiced their frustration with the opulence of events like the Met Gala. They argue that such displays are starkly disconnected from pressing global issues.
The TikTok user who inspired the movement’s name with their username, criticized celebrities for their silence, stating, “When we block their social media accounts and completely forget their names, they lose it all.” This sentiment has resonated with many, leading to a substantial number of users participating in the lockout.
Haley Kalil, a TikTok influencer, faced backlash for a video in which she lip-synced the line “Let them eat cake” from Sofia Coppola’s 2006 film “Marie Antoinette.”
"let them eat cake" while you passed people protesting against genocide and famine outside the met gala is the most out of touch thing that i have seen thus far. pic.twitter.com/bmfr8lF5LB
— Tayoncé Defense Attorney is sooo back (@lesbeyonsay) May 8, 2024
This video, posted at the Met Gala, was seen as tone-deaf and insensitive as many were protesting the war on Gaza just outside the venue. Kalil later apologized, stating that she chose the audio clip because it was trending and did not intend to highlight wealth disparity.
‘Operation Blockout’ targets high-profile celebrities
Prominent figures like Kim Kardashian, Taylor Swift, and Beyonce have become the primary targets of the campaign. According to Social Blade, Kardashian lost 44,000 Instagram followers the day after the campaign gained traction, while the following day she lost another 123,000. On the other hand, Swift lost 26,000 Instagram followers on May 9 and 103,000 on May 11.
The campaign has also drawn attention to other celebrities who attended the Met Gala. Kendall and Kylie Jenner, Chris Hemsworth, and Nicki Minaj have all appeared on lists of celebrities to block. TikTok users are posting daily updates of which celebrities should be blocked, often accompanied by videos that juxtapose the glamour of the Met Gala with the grim realities of life in conflict zones.
Celebrity responses to ‘Operation Blockout’
Celebrities have responded to “Operation Blockout” in various ways. Macklemore released a song supporting the Palestinian people, titled “Hind’s Hall,” which includes the lyrics, “The music industry’s quiet, complicit in their platform of silence.” This song has resonated with many supporters of the movement, who see it as an example of how celebrities can use their platforms for advocacy.
Lizzo also addressed the situation by posting a TikTok thanking Palestinian activists and detailing her donations to Gaza. She also shared GoFundMe pages for Palestinian people hoping to flee. However, her response faced criticism for not being enough. One TikTok user commented, “Pay the whole thing or split it with three of your very rich friends.”
Broader implications of punishing celebrities’ silence
“Operation Blockout” highlights the growing power of social media in influencing public discourse and holding public figures accountable. As users continue to call for action and awareness, the movement reflects the potential for digital platforms to drive social change. The campaign has also sparked discussions about the role of celebrities in social issues and the responsibilities that come with their influence.
Brooke Erin Duffy, a communications professor at Cornell University, told Time that this kind of boycott can “weaponize platforms’ metric systems.” She explained that reducing celebrities’ visibility and engagement could impact their advertising deals and overall influence.
Eddy Borges-Rey, an associate professor in residence at Northwestern University in Qatar, echoed this sentiment. He told Al Jazeera, “Social media celebrities heavily rely on high visibility and engagement to attract and maintain advertising deals.” This reliance on metrics predicts the potential impact of “Operation Blockout” on celebrities’ revenue streams and influence.
Source: Newsroom
