Zara Larsson calls out Demi Lovato for not "choosing sides” in her Israel apology
4 October 2019, 16:10
Demi Lovato recently received backlash for praising Israel after being baptised there.
Zara Larsson has waded into Demi Lovato's recent Israel drama by calling her out for not voicing her support of Palestine.
On Monday (Oct 1), Demi Lovato caused controversy for calling Israel "magical" and revealing that she was baptised there in a lengthy, Instagram post. Fans quickly criticised Demi for blindly praising Israel and not taking into consideration the horrific ways in which the Israeli government treats Palestinians.
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Demi turned off her Instagram comments in response to the backlash but she later took to Instagram stories to apologise to the people she "hurt or offended" and for "not being more educated". Demi also revealed that she actually "accepted a free trip to Israel in exchange for a few posts".
Now Zara Larsson has called out Demi for not explicitly criticising Israel in her apology and refusing to take sides.
After making her first apology, Demi responded to fans asking her to make her stance on Israel clearer writing: "Okay but do you y'all realize, I don't have an opinion on middle eastern conflicts nor is it my place to have one being an American singer and you're asking me to choose a side." She then added: "I will not choose a side. I went to a place for religious purposes that's it". She also wrote: "I can't win with you unless I do what YOU want me to, so idk what to tell you".
Zara then joined the conversation, tweeting: "i cant chose sides in politics" yes you can, you just dont care which automatically makes you a part of the oppressive side ooop sorry i dont make the rules". Zara then added that the tweet wasn't just a dig at Demi. "This is hands down not a post directed only to demi but more to all the people who thinks their option to be disengaged in politics is anything but privilege".
"i cant chose sides in politics" yes you can, you just dont care which automatically makes you a part of the oppressive side ooop sorry i dont make the rules
— Zara Larsson (@zaralarsson) October 4, 2019
This is hands down not a post directed only to demi, if thats what youre referring to, but more to all the people who thinks their option to be disengaged in politics is anything but privilege
— Zara Larsson (@zaralarsson) October 4, 2019
Demi's comments seem odd considering her history with speaking out against injustice. Just earlier this year she was one of the most vocal supporters of the Blue Profile Picture movement, which aimed to raise awareness of the atrocities which are currently going on in Sudan. She may be an American singer but she's certainly chosen sides on foreign issues before.
We have no doubt that Demi meant no ill intent with her comments and is wary of speaking up about something which she's openly admitted she is "ignorant" about. Still, it's understandable that people believe she should "choose sides".
As it stands, Demi is yet to respond to Zara. We shall update you if she does.
