CLEVELAND, OHIO: YouTuber Darren Jason Watkins Jr, also known as IShowSpeed, gained a lot of attention recently on X, formerly known as Twitter, after a video of him supporting Palestine went viral.
This is not the first time that Speed has shown his support for the nation. The Ohio native has always stood in support of the "Free Palestine" movement during the Israel-Hamas conflict.
IShowSpeed asks Israeli man to 'Free Palestine'
In a recent viral video, Speed met an Israeli person during a soccer match. The man approached Speed, enquiring, "Why is everybody filming me?"
The YouTuber seemed perplexed with his question and asked who he was. The man counter-questioned Speed and asked, "Who are you?" IShowSpeed replied, "I am Speed."
Speed again asked the man, "Who are you?" The man named himself "The Hon."
The next question the 18-year-old asked was, "Where are you from?"
As soon as the man replied that he was from "Israel", Speed said, "Free Palestine." He further added, "Man, I ain't gonna lie bro."
The viral video garnered many reactions. One wrote in the comments sections, "Saying 'Free Palestine' to Israel is the same as saying 'Heil Hitler.'"
Another user added, "You don't have to be a Muslim to stand with Palestine."
The third commentator remarked, "The only criterion needed to stand by Palestine is "BEING HUMAN!" It does not matter the language, religion, or race. There is no need to be a Muslim. Just "BEING HUMAN!!!"
IShowSpeed supports Palestine
Global attention has been drawn to the intensifying Israel-Hamas conflict that started on October 7, which has endangered the lives of both Israelis and Palestinians.
This issue has sometimes led to discord among the general public, who are keen to learn about their favorite celebrities' stance on the matter.
IShowSpeed initially reacted with confusion and described the situation as "bads**t" upon first hearing of the conflict, a response that later triggered a backlash on social media.
Some accused Speed of trying to garner attention by responding to the news. However, IShowSpeed seems to clarify his position on the Israel-Hamas conflict in a recent video that user @SpeedyUpdates shared on X.
In the little six-second video, he is seen chatting with a person who is chanting 'Free Palestine', to which IShowSpeed replies, "Free Palestine, man."