Oscars highlight turns unforgiving.
A second of political expression on one in every of Hollywood’s most-watched phases has spilled right into a fierce on-line debate, with social media customers sharply criticising Priyanka Chopra over her response throughout a pro-Palestine comment made on the Academy Awards.
Spanish actor Javier Bardem, whereas presenting the Greatest Worldwide Function award, delivered a quick however pointed message, saying “no to struggle, and free Palestine”, drawing applause contained in the venue and fast traction throughout digital platforms worldwide.
Nonetheless, consideration shortly shifted to Chopra, who was standing alongside Bardem through the announcement, as clips circulating on-line prompted customers to dissect her facial expressions and physique language, with many alleging seen discomfort and a muted response.
Many viewers famous that Chopra appeared visibly caught off guard, with followers suggesting her fast smile felt “evidently pretend” or compelled. The second sparked a wave of comparisons on social media, the place critics contrasted Bardem’s lengthy historical past of outspoken activism with Chopra’s extra reserved public stances.
Posts on X and Instagram ranged from measured criticism to outright mockery, with some customers questioning her previous position as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador, whereas others accused her of sustaining a rigorously curated public picture inconsistent with international humanitarian points.
“Priyanka seemed so uncomfortable when she heard Free Palestine. She was a UNICEF ambassador and he or she was silent for 2 entire years through the Gaza genocide killing hundreds of youngsters,” wrote one consumer on X, reflecting a extensively shared sentiment amongst critics.
One other consumer remarked, “Doing this subsequent to Priyanka Chopra, an Indian nationalist that helps a authorities cracking down on Muslims and minorities, is poetic by Javier Bardem. A legend,”
A separate publish claimed, “Priyanka Chopra is so pretend with a rigorously deliberate PR picture that tries to profit from western liberal concepts of feminism and variety whereas additionally supporting the right-wing authorities at residence.”
The criticism prolonged into sarcasm and mock, with one remark studying, “wow she seems like she does not fairly agree,” and one other including, “I believed I used to be hallucinating lol. Good others observed the discomfort.”
Some customers have been extra blunt, posting, “She could not even clapÂ… the true face of so-called ‘peace ambassador’,” whereas one other wrote, “She did not clap and it exhibits the place she stands.”
On Instagram, reactions have been equally sharp. “OMG Priyanka Chopra is struggling to breathe. She ought to cease being a peace ambassador,” one remark learn, whereas one other mentioned, “She could not even clap again overtly, I really feel sorry for her.” A unique consumer added, “Bollywood stars can take some notes about what braveness ought to appear to be.”
The backlash additionally mirrored broader polarisation round superstar activism, as a number of customers contrasted Bardem’s direct assertion with what they described as silence or ambiguity from Chopra on the Gaza battle, fuelling an already charged on-line discourse.
Neither Chopra nor her representatives have publicly responded to the criticism, however the episode underscores how even fleeting on-stage moments at international occasions can ignite sustained scrutiny in an period the place superstar conduct is relentlessly parsed on-line.
