Rihanna faces backlash over post on Israel And Palestine: Why does no one have PR anymore?

In a time of cancel culture, where what you say on social media can make or break your career, it’s important for us to speak with care, thought and knowledge, this stands particularly when you are a global star with more than 95 million followers. One too many celebrities have been called out for their lack of sensitivity or inappropriate comments in regards to a movement, political crisis or injustice. This had me thinking why does no one have PR  representatives anymore? 

Rihanna’s caption read: I stand with humanity! this ain’t it y’all! Fans have accused Rihanna of trying to take both sides in order to not lose her Israeli fans and face the same backlash she did back in 2014 after tweeting “#FreePalestine”.

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Much of peoples frustrations towards Rihanna comes from her lack of recognition of the injustice towards Palestine. 

Israel continues to displace and bomb thousands of Palestinians and with no defence or shelter Palestinians have no protection. This is not a war this is a one-sided attack on Palestinians and many western countries have been both complicit and active participants in the oppression of Palestinians and the hijacking of their homes. The outrage at Rihanna’s post came from her inability to identify with the sole victims and disregard the power dynamics involved. In order to truly support Palestine, society needs to understand that there isn’t an equal playing field. Rihanna failed to do so and in turn, found herself playing both sides in a crisis you just can’t be on the fence about. 

“I think she’s making a sincere effort, but sometimes a sincere effort can be sincerely wrong.” @marclamonthill talks bout superstar @rihanna and the backlash she is facing over an Instagram statement she made about the Israel and Palestine conflict. #BlackNewsTonight pic.twitter.com/y2nCCgEngi

— BNC (@BNCNews) May 14, 2021

 Many are comparing Rihanna’s statement to the All Lives Matter stance, an attempt for people to please everyone and hijack a movement intended to raise awareness on the crimes against a particular group by the hands of another group. Rihanna’s statement receiving backlash was both factually incorrect and insensitive. Fans are no longer letting their favourite celebrities get away with ignorant comments and many are speaking out in hopes for Rihanna to rethink her statement.

“Neutral side” people, this one’s for you. pic.twitter.com/pJjqh9IbYg

— Nezuko Chan (@elorakdshn) May 16, 2021

Tips for posting about human rights topics on social media 

• Get educated. There are many online resources available, take a look at the full picture before commenting. 

• Think about what your intentions are. If it’s not justice probably best not to post.

• Let go of your ego: If you are a public figure someone will always have something to say about you, however, if you are whole heartily feel you are letting go of your reputation and focusing on sharing the truth and supporting human rights, post! 

• Be respectful and mindful of victims and the trauma faced by some of your followers who may have personal ties to the situation at hand.