Selena Gomez informed her 430 million Instagram followers that she is currently taking a break from social media due to the “horror, hate, violence and terror that’s going on in the world.” The pop star and “Only Murders in the Building” actor did not directly reference the Israel-Hamas war by name, but it’s clear posts about the Hamas terrorist attack and the subsequent destruction in Gaza factored into her decision to break from social media platforms.
“I’ve been taking a break from social media because my heart breaks to see all of the horror, hate, violence and terror that’s going on in the world,” Gomez wrote on her Instagram story. “People being tortured and killed or any act of hate towards any one group is horrific. We need to protect ALL people, especially children and stop the violence for good.”
“I’m sorry if my words will never be enough for everyone or a hashtag,” she continued. “I just can’t stand by innocent people getting hurt. That’s what makes me sick. I wish I could change the world. But a post won’t. Love, Selena.”
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In a second post on her Instagram story, Gomez put up a picture of her younger sister Gracie Elliott Teefey and wrote: “Having a sister everyday has made me tragically sick. I would do anything for children and innocent lives.”
Many celebrities have been speaking out on the Israel-Hamas war over the last several weeks. Joaquin Phoenix, Cate Blanchett, Jon Stewart, Kristen Stewart, Susan Sarandon, Mahershala Ali, Riz Ahmed, Ramy Youssef, Quinta Brunson and more stars all joined forces to sign a letter urging U.S. president Joe Biden to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
“We urge your administration, and all world leaders, to honor all of the lives in the Holy Land and call for and facilitate a ceasefire without delay – an end to the bombing of Gaza, and the safe release of hostages,” the letter read.
A second letter then circulated urging Biden to call for the release of all hostages taken by Hamas. Amy Schumer, Sacha Baron Cohen, Chris Rock, Gwyneth Paltrow, Katy Perry, Bradley Cooper, Justin Timberlake and more were among the highly visible figures to sign the note, launching a formal campaign called #NoHostageLeftBehind.
