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Fans urge Taylor Swift to ‘Speak Now’ on Palestine

Swifties call on pop star to use her platforms to raise awareness, especially after several other celebrities, including her opening act Paramore, voiced out

4:28 PM MYT

 

KUALA LUMPUR – Taylor Swift’s fans, also known as Swifties, have bombarded social media platforms to pressure the singer to speak out about the ongoing Gaza massacre.  

Numerous Swifties have turned to X to voice their discontent over the celebrity’s silence, using the hashtag #SwiftiesForPalestine in hopes of garnering the attention of the renowned artist. 

This comes after millions of social media users, including a number of celebrities, have taken to Instagram to share an image with the slogan “All eyes on Rafah” to raise awareness about the situation.

Several celebrities reposted the photo including models Gigi and Bella Hadid and actors Aaron Paul, Mark Ruffalo, Jenna Ortega, Nicola Coughlan, Susan Sarandon, and Priyanka Chopra.  

Swifties attending Taylor Swift’s Eras tour are bringing placards and banners to show their support for Palestine, while calling on the pop star to do the same. – @giftedswifted X pic, May 31, 2024

Despite this, Taylor Swift has remained silent on Israel’s aggression in Palestine, prompting fans to compose an open letter to the singer. 

Some fans recently shared what appears to be a letter urging the singer to leverage her global platform to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has witnessed the loss of over 36,000 Palestinian lives since early October. 

“As an internationally renowned and significant artist, your voice has the ability to impact and draw attention to crucial problems affecting millions of people worldwide. 

“Your influence transcends borders, and your words have the power to reach and activate an extensive audience – including people who are unaware of the severity of the genocide,” the letter read. 

Aside from the hashtag, Swifties, who attended the recent Eras tour in Europe, have posted photos of themselves holding up signs saying “Speak Now” and “Swifties for Palestine.” 

Paramore, a renowned band currently opening for Taylor Swift’s Eras tour, has also urged their fans to donate to Doctors Without Borders, spotlighting the organisation’s efforts in Gaza. 

The band shared on their Instagram story: “We firmly believe that supporting our Palestinian friends and family does not equate to anti-Semitism.” 

“We love our Jewish friends and family and pray for the safe return of the remaining hostages. 

“That being said, we simply cannot support genocide. We stand in solidarity with those calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire.” The band added.  

Israel’s current war on Gaza has been ongoing for almost eight months since Hamas launched a surprise attack last October. – May 31, 2024 

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