Despite the glamour and spark that fame promises from the outside, speaking up for what one believes in can make or break a career. In today’s cancel culture frenzy, being labeled “too woke” (aka too socially conscious) can get celebrities dragged online, ghosted by studios, or straight-up blacklisted. They are mostly views of people with massive platforms using their voices for issues like equality, climate change, or calling out injustices—only to face backlash from the masses or even bigwigs in the industry.
1) Susan Sarandon (November 2023)
Susan Sarandon, the Academy Award-winning actress, was dropped by her talent agency UTA after speaking at a pro-Palestinian rally. Her remarks, made during a heated period in the Israel-Hamas conflict, were deemed controversial. The backlash came from critics who felt her comments were inappropriate and unsupportive of Israel. Although Sarandon apologized through an Instagram post where she claimed that she intended to stand against bigotry of any kind and expressed regret about not being able to do so. Professionally, Sarandon has not fully recovered, as losing agency representation can impact future opportunities in the entertainment industry.
2) Melissa Barrera (November 2023)
Melissa Barrera, best known for her role in the Scream franchise, was removed from Scream VII due to her social media posts about the Israel-Hamas conflict. She also reshared a post accusing Israel of "genocide and ethnic cleansing." Her posts were seen as antisemitic, sparking backlash from some fans and media outlets accusing her of insensitivity. Spyglass Media decided to part ways with Barrera who responded by reiterating her belief in freedom of expression. While her dismissal was a major setback, she appears to be moving forward, with fans showing support on social media.
3) Mia Khalifa (November 2023)
Mia Khalifa faced intense backlash after making pro-Palestinian statements on social media during the Israel-Hamas conflict. Playboy swiftly dropped her, citing her comments as the reason. Khalifa defended herself, stating her intention was to support human rights and not promote violence. Despite her response, the incident damaged her professional relationships, and while she retains a loyal fan base, she has struggled to fully recover in terms of mainstream opportunities.
4) Dave Chappelle (October 2023)
Comedian Dave Chappelle stirred controversy after making pro-Palestinian remarks during a live performance. Audience members walked out, and his comments drew criticism from both fans and critics who felt he was taking a divisive stance on a sensitive issue. While Chappelle is no stranger to controversy, he did not apologize, standing by his comments as an expression of free speech. His career has not been significantly impacted, as his core audience remains supportive, but the incident added to his reputation for sparking debates on polarizing topics.
5) Ai Weiwei (November 2023)
Ai Weiwei, the prominent Chinese artist, faced censorship after expressing pro-Palestinian views on X amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. His London exhibition was postponed, with organizers citing his statements as a contributing factor. The backlash came from critics who felt his remarks were inappropriate for the political climate. Weiwei responded by calling out what he described as suppression of free speech and artistic expression. Despite the controversy, his global reputation as a fearless artist and activist remains intact, and the delayed exhibition is expected to proceed eventually.
6) Emily Jacir (November 2023)
Palestinian filmmaker Emily Jacir publicly criticized the silencing of Palestinian voices in Germany and beyond during the Israel-Hamas conflict. Her remarks led to the cancellation of her exhibitions, with backlash coming from organizations uncomfortable with her outspoken views. Jacir defended her stance, emphasizing the importance of highlighting Palestinian perspectives. The cancellations were a significant professional setback, but her work continues to be celebrated within communities that support her activism.
7) Samia Halaby (January 2024)
Samia Halaby, a renowned Palestinian painter, had a planned survey at Indiana University canceled. The decision came after her views on the Israel-Hamas conflict drew criticism from university stakeholders. Halaby called the cancellation an act of censorship and expressed disappointment at the suppression of Palestinian narratives. The incident hurt her professionally, though she remains an influential figure in the art world, particularly among those who value her outspoken advocacy for Palestinian rights.
8) Munroe Bergdorf (2017)
In 2017, British model and activist Munroe Bergdorf was dropped from a L'Oréal campaign after speaking out about systemic racism and white privilege. Her comments which suggested that all white people are guilty of racial violence, came in the aftermath of the Charlottesville rally and sparked criticism from people who felt they were divisive. L'Oréal responded by severing ties, stating her views didn’t align with their values. Bergdorf stood by her remarks, emphasizing the need to address racism openly. Despite the initial backlash, she continued to advocate for social justice and eventually regained her footing, securing new partnerships and remaining a prominent voice in activism and the fashion industry.
9) Rachel Zegler (November 2024)
Rachel Zegler, known for her role in Disney's upcoming live-action Snow White, faced significant backlash in November 2024 after expressing strong anti-Trump sentiments on Instagram following the U.S. presidential election. She criticized Americans who voted for Donald Trump, leading to public outcry, particularly from Trump supporters who called for a boycott of the film and demanded Disney take action against her. In response, Zegler issued a public apology, acknowledging that her emotions got the best of her and emphasizing the importance of moving away from hatred and anger.
10) Sabrina Carpenter (October 2024)
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Sabrina Carpenter, the singer and actress, has faced backlash for embracing her sexuality in her music and performances. In a 2024 interview with TIME, she acknowledged criticism from some conservative audiences regarding her costumes being too explicit. Carpenter compared her experiences to those of artists like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, who faced similar scrutiny. She emphasized the importance of dressing in a way that makes her feel confident on stage, despite the criticism.
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