Jennifer Lawrence has come under fire after voicing her support for Palestine while promoting her new film Die My Love at the San Sebastián Film Festival.
JENNIFER LAWRENCE ON PALESTINE
The Oscar-winning actress described the situation in Gaza as “no less than a genocide,” sparking mixed reactions from fans worldwide.
She said: “I’m terrified, and it’s mortifying. What’s happening is no less than a genocide, and it’s unacceptable. I’m terrified for my children, for all of our children.”
SOUTH AFRICA AND PALESTINE
Her words hit hard, especially in South Africa, where solidarity with Palestine remains strong. Many South Africans have long boycotted brands and events tied to Israel.
The ANC government has also labelled Israel an apartheid state and continues to push calls for international action.
Jennifer Lawrence faced criticism for appearing to backtrack. Just last year, she praised her friend and comedian Amy Schumer for defending Israel after Hamas’s 7 October attacks.
JENNIFER LAWRENCE AND AMY SCHUMER
At the time, Schumer faced a torrent of online abuse before disabling her Instagram comments, according to Daily Mail.
Lawrence stood by her then, telling Variety: “Amy’s choice to use her voice to speak for justice puts her under immense fire.”
This shift has confused fans. Some accused her of “waiting until the tide turned.” One wrote online: “She defended Amy Schumer when it mattered, and now she plays the hero.”
POLARISING VIEWS
Others defended her. “Jennifer Lawrence spoke truth with courage,” a supporter said, adding that her words “reflect millions who know silence feeds oppression.”
The conversation around celebrities speaking on political issues remains polarising.
Jennifer Lawrence admitted she feared her words could “add more fire and rhetoric.” But she stressed voters must hold politicians accountable, not actors.
Her comments have reignited debate in South Africa, too. With protests continuing across major cities, her high-profile remarks may add fuel to calls for justice.