LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Selena Gomez’s fans immediately rushed to her defense after her make-up brand, Rare Beauty, announced that it would donate care to civilians in Gaza who have been affected by the brutal Israel-Hamas war.
On Monday, November 06, the beauty brand, which was founded by the pop star in 2019, posted a maroon square with 'Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza' written in white.
The post also included a long caption that denounced the deaths of "thousands of innocent Palestinian civilians,” and also Hamas’ October 7 attack, where the militant organization launched nearly 2000 missiles on Israel and left more than 1400 people dead.
“Thousands of innocent Palestinian civilians have been killed in Israeli airstrikes & millions of civilians have been displaced & left without access to food, water, medicine, or basic necessities for survival,” the company said.
“We remain heartbroken by the horrible terror attack against innocent civilians in Israel on October 7th, many of them also children. There is no situation where attacks on civilians are acceptable,” it added.
In addition to denouncing antisemitism and Islamophobia, the beauty brand stated that it will work with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to provide emergency medical care to children and civilians.
“Rare Beauty will be making donations to the International Red Cross/ Red Crescent Societies – Magen David Adom and Palestinian Red Crescent Society – who are providing urgent care on the ground. We will also be donating to UNICEF to help get urgent medical relief and resources to the children of Gaza,” it said.
The post concluded with mental health resources that readers could use should they or someone they know need them.
Why did Selena Gomez face backlash?
Rare Beauty’s announcement came just a few days after Gomez announced that she would take a social media break because of the “horror, hate, violence and terror that’s going on in the world.”
“I’ve been taking a break from social media because my heart breaks to see all of the horror, hate, violence, and terror that’s going on in the world,” the singer wrote via her Instagram Story.
“People being tortured and killed or any act of hate towards any one group is horrific. We need to protect ALL people, especially children, and stop the violence for good,” she continued.
The 'People You Know' singer concluded the post, stating “I’m sorry if my words will never be enough for everyone or a hashtag. I just can’t stand by innocent people getting hurt. That’s what makes me sick. I wish I could change the world. But a post won’t. Love, Selena.”
Gomez is one of the few celebrities, who have signed a letter to President Biden urging a ceasefire in Gaza. The letter, which was also signed by Gigi Hadid and Jennifer Lopez, read: "Dear President Biden, we come together as artists and advocates, but most importantly as human beings witnessing the devastating loss of lives and unfolding horrors in Israel and Palestine."
Selena Gomez’s fans defended her after the announcement
Rare Beauty’s announcement has garnered immense social media attention, with users rushing to support Gomez following a backlash over her comments.
"I dunno why critics are just on her throat like she’s the president or something,” one user said. “She saving her image but Palestine ppl getting help in the process so Win-Win situation,” a second user wrote.
“We celebrate Selena and stand with PALESTINE,” the third user praised while the fourth asserted “I totally agree! Supporting both sides is crucial in times of need.”
“We Love you Selena Gomez ❤️ I Never Doubted you!” the fifth user stated. “I thought she threatened to close her account the other day Glad she is using it for a good cause 👏🏽” another user wrote.
“Y’all should stop criticizing her and appreciate her for the things she’s about to do,” one more said.
