In case you’re unaware, a movement or campaign known as “Blockout 2024” started and has gone viral over the weekend. The aim is to de-platform celebrities who have allegedly been silent or even neutral about the genocide in Palestine. Some have even urged to extend this movement to K-pop idols as well claiming that only a few have actually voiced their solidarity with the people in Gaza.
Surprisingly, even Malaysian netizens are currently encouraging everyone to participate in the movement by blocking local celebrities on social media. Is this really necessary? Are our celebs just as guilty? Let’s find out:
Over the weekend, a list of 30 Malaysian celebrities circulated online to encourage everyone to block them so they’d lose engagement on social media. As seen in the screenshots above, the list ranges from singers like Daiyan Trisha to actors like Meerqeen and Michelle Yeoh to influencers like Ayra Messi and Troy Ling as well as entrepreneurs like Dato Seri Vida and Haliza Maysuri.
Many are puzzled by this questionable list as some of these Malaysian celebrities have been very vocal about Palestine. Others pointed out that while certain celebs have shared news and updates about the ongoing atrocities, they are still associated with brands that are listed in the BDS boycott list. After the list went viral, a few of these listed celebs came forward with their explanation.
Actor Nadhir Nasar tweeted that it would be difficult for him or any of his peers to immediately terminate their current contracts with boycotted brands as it would lead to legal ramifications but reassured that they have made efforts to disassociate themselves from the companies.
Singer Daiyan Trisha took to her IG stories to provide proof that she has continuously posted about and donated money to Palestine. “Everyone has their own way of helping. I’m sorry if my ways do not align with yours. I’ll try to be better in the future,” she said. Mira Filzah’s friend defended the actress saying that she has never stopped posting about the ongoing issues and provided evidence that her partnership with a certain brand has no ties with the Israeli state.
The actress herself also posted on Twitter saying that people have the right to participate but reminded everyone to refrain from using harsh words against these celebrities. “Our words may bring blessings or they may also be sinful,” she wrote.
Singer Kaka Azraff and actress Wardina Safiyyah on the other hand, showed support for the movement with the former clarifying that she won’t judge those who may not be able to cut ties with the boycotted brands just yet.
More celebs will probably come forward with their responses about the Blockout list in the coming days. Do you agree with the movement? Who do you think should or should not be listed there?
TikToker Mehmet Izudin explained more details about the campaign and its importance:
@mehmet.izudin.gul Check influencer-influencer & artis-artis korang sekarang. Check jugak hashtag👇 #mehmetpulakexplain #blockout2024 #blockoutmalaysia #checkartismalaysia #checkinfluencermalaysia
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Sources: SinarDaily, Twitter (1)(2)(3), Instagram (1)(2), Murai, TikTok
