Meghan McCain And Selma Blair Among Celebrities, Influencers To Stop Spreading Misinformation About Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
May 17 2021, Published 6:32 p.m. ET
More than 130 celebrities and entertainment executives have penned an open letter, calling on fellow stars and influencers alike to stop spreading misinformation about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Among them are The View co-host Meghan McCain, actress and activist Selma Blair, KISS frontman Gene Simmons, recording artist Michael Bublé, songwriter and producer Diane Warren, and Disturbed lead singer David Draiman, along with industry leaders like former CEO of Paramount Pictures Sherry Lansing, Chairman and CEO of Saban Capital Group Haim Saban, President of Tuff Gong Worldwide Orly Agai Marley, and Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Propagate Content Ben Silverman.
Published by non-profit entertainment industry organization Creative Community For Peace, the public plea calls on entertainers and executives to not only stop the spread of one-sided and/or incorrect information, but also use their platforms to call for the de-escalation of violence and help put a stop to divisive rhetoric.
However, the joint statement makes sure to urge those who speak on the matter publicly to acknowledge the pain and loss impacting all parties involved in the conflict, as the death toll continues to rise.
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The open letter – which is available in full below – comes after a surge of violence in Israel and the Palestinian Territories, including indiscriminate rocket attacks in Israel and Israel's retaliatory response in Gaza.
Full Statement:
We are deeply concerned by the escalating violence in Israel and the Palestinian Territories. The loss of life and violence is heartbreaking. We call on the leaders of all parties to end the violence, urge calm, and work toward de-escalation.
We also call on our colleagues and friends in the entertainment community to stop posting misinformation and one-sided narratives that only work to inflame the conflict instead of bringing about peace.
While we may have differing opinions on the conflict, it is never okay for Hamas to publicly call for the killing of civilians, use civilians as human shields, and rain down missiles indiscriminately on civilian populations with no care about who is killed – Arab or Jew.
When lives are at stake, we all bear responsibility to unite rather than divide. Incendiary language only benefits those at the extremes who have no interest in peace. Our thoughts are with all Israelis and Palestinians who are experiencing unfathomable levels of fear and violence, and hope for the day when both peoples can live side by side in peace.
Israeli-Palestinian violence in Gaza, Palestine - 17 May 2021