Israeli superstar actress Gal Gadot is once again the target of outrage because of her national origin.
Gadot wore a dress designed by Lebanese fashion designer Elie Saab to the National Board of Review awards in New York on Tuesday, where she appeared along with “Wonder Woman” director Patty Jenkins to be recognized for their work on the 2017 box office hit.
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When Saab’s team posted an image to Instagram of the “flawless” Gadot in the dress, some Lebanese journalists denounced the designer for promoting “an ex Israeli soldier.”
“I’m not going to ask why she would she wear Elie Saab…but I’m asking why would his team post it?!!!!!!. Unacceptable!” wrote Al Jadeed TV producer Farah Shami in response to the Instagram post. Shami also posted a complaint on Twitter:
Lebanese journalist Heba Bitar echoed Shami’s complaints and got into a back and forth with people on Twitter.
Under pressure, Saab eventually deleted the Instagram post, which both Shami and Bitar made sure to note, along with journalist Lana Medawar:
Gadot has been the target of criticism in the past for her Israeli heritage and bold support of her country, with many anti-Israel voices slamming her as a “Zionist.” Lebanon even banned the showing of “Wonder Woman” because of the Israeli star.
But Gadot also has a lot of supporters, as was evidenced in the Saab dress controversy. A few examples of fans of both Gadot and Saab and defenders of Israel responding to the journalists’ complaints:
H/T BBC News