Dua Lipa says criticism of Israeli war on Gaza was for ‘greater good’

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
18 Jun 2024 12:42
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Dua Lipa risks backlash and voices her criticism of "Israel" amid the ongoing aggression against the Gaza Strip.

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Dua Lipa, seen here in Singapore during an ad campaign for Porsche. (Instagram/ @dualipa)

Pop star and upcoming Glastonbury headliner Dua Lipa stated she is prepared to face potential criticism for her political statements, including her recent description of military operations in Gaza as "Israeli genocide."

Speaking to the Radio Times, the 28-year-old emphasized that she carefully considers her words, but speaks out if she believes they serve the greater good, despite the risks involved.

Last month, the Grammy award-winning artist reposted a graphic from the group Artists4Ceasefire to her 88 million Instagram followers. She included the hashtag #AllEyesOnRafah, which gained traction following "Israel's" bombing of the city in Gaza.

She wrote, “Burning children alive can never be justified. The whole world is mobilizing to stop the Israeli genocide. Please show your solidarity with Gaza.”

Recently, she was mentioned in an Israeli drill rap song that advocated violence against public figures who have voiced pro-Palestinian views.

Lipa told the Radio Times: “When I speak about things that are political, I double-, triple-check myself to be: ‘OK, this is about something that is way bigger than me, and it’s necessary – and that’s the only reason I’m posting it.’ That is my only solace in doing that."

“It’s always going to be met with a backlash and other people’s opinions, so it’s a big decision. I balance it out, because ultimately I feel it’s for the greater good, so I’m willing to [take that hit].”

Supporting Labour

Dua Lipa, born in London to Kosovan-Albanian parents, implied that her heritage shapes her outspoken political stance.

“[Speaking up is] a natural inclination for me, given my background and heritage, and that my very existence is somewhat political – it’s not something that is out of the ordinary for me to be feeling close to,” she said.

In the same interview, Lipa disclosed her ongoing support for the Labour Party and hinted at her intention to vote for the party in the upcoming UK elections, even though she refrained from explicitly endorsing Keir Starmer personally.

She said, “For me, over the past three or four years, I’ve kind of decided that standing behind a certain political party leader is probably not the route I want to take. I’ve always supported Labour so that’s where I’ll always stand, but I don’t think I’ll be publicly going for or against anyone…because politicians overall just have a way of letting you down.”