What’s happening:
Supermodel Gigi Hadid admits to sharing unverified information on social media, after posting that Israel detains Palestinian children as prisoners of war. This statement included a reference to a Palestinian teenager involved in a stabbing incident.
Why it matters:
Hadid, who has a large following and significant influence, especially among young audiences, has been a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights. Her posts have the potential to shape public opinion, making her acknowledgment of spreading misinformation noteworthy.
What she said:
In a recent Instagram post, Hadid expressed regret over not fact-checking a story before sharing it. She attempted to draw attention to what she sees as unequal treatment of Palestinian children by Israeli authorities but acknowledged the example she used was incorrect.
The backdrop:
Hadid’s earlier post suggested that Israel is the only country that imprisons children as POWs, centering on the case of Ahmad Manasra, a Palestinian minor implicated in a stabbing attack. Her retraction emphasizes her intent to highlight human rights issues, not to incite violence against Jewish people.
Personal connection:
Unlike other celebrities commenting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Gigi and her sister Bella Hadid have a personal stake. Their father, Mohamed Hadid, was born in pre-state Israel and his family left amid regional conflict. Gigi’s advocacy is partly a tribute to her family’s history.
The influence:
With over 79 million followers on Instagram, Gigi Hadid has a substantial platform. Her statements reach a wide audience, including those in the fashion and entertainment industries, making her retractions and clarifications impactful.
Looking ahead:
Gigi Hadid’s retraction is a reminder of the responsibility public figures carry when discussing sensitive geopolitical issues. Her commitment to fact-checking and acknowledging errors could set a precedent for how influencers engage with complex topics on social media.
This story was first published on ynetnews.com.