LOS ANGELES, March 19 – Dozens of both pro-Palestine and pro-Israeli demonstrators reportedly protested at the Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony for Israeli actress Gal Gadot yesterday, delaying the event and prompting a police response.
Pro-Palestine demonstrators held signs with slogans such as “Heroes Fight Like Palestinians,” “Viva Viva Palestina,” and “No Other Land Won Oscar,” referring to the recent Academy Award-winning documentary about Israeli incursions into the West Bank.
According to entertainment site Variety, police reportedly intervened after a pro-Palestinian protester allegedly stole an Israeli flag, leading to multiple arrests.
The ceremony was delayed by about 15 minutes, with protests continuing in the background as the event proceeded.
People hold Palestinian flags as they gather to protest during the unveiling ceremony for Gal Gadot’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, California, U.S., March 18, 2025. — Reuters pic
Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen in Disney’s upcoming live-action Snow White, served in the Israeli military and has been vocal in her support for Israel following the October 7 Hamas-led attacks and Israel’s subsequent retaliation in Gaza.
However, Gadot avoided political statements during the ceremony itself, instead expressing gratitude to Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins and actor Vin Diesel, and referring to herself as “just a girl from a town in Israel.”
The protests occurred ahead of the opening weekend for Snow White, which has already faced controversy amid reports of a rift between Gadot and her co-star Rachel Zegler, who has been vocal in her pro-Palestinian stance.
Disney was previously pilloried for introducing Israeli superhero Sabra, played by Israeli actor Shira Haas, in Captain America: Brave New World.
