LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Stranger Things' actor Noah Schnapp is facing severe criticism and backlash after a video on Instagram showed him endorsing "Zionism is sexy" stickers amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
The 19-year-old, known for portraying Will Byers in the popular series, found himself in hot water as the video showed him and his friends, jovially displaying stickers that read "Hamas is Isis", sparking widespread outrage, as per Daily Mail.
Outrage on social media over Noah Schnapp's 'Zionism is sexy' video
Singer Lauren Jauregui, a former member of Fifth Harmony, expressed her dismay over the video of Noah Schnapp on X, stating, "Who the f**k even evokes the word ‘sexy’ in the midst of genocide… There is an enjoyment of bloodshed, an enjoyment of death, a celebration of it."
Her post gained traction with over 3,800 shares, including support from actor John Cusack, known for his role in 'Con Air'.
Social media erupted with outrage following the controversial video involving Schnapp. Users expressed vehement disapproval, with one individual asking, "When did genocide become sexy???"
This sentiment was echoed by another user who lamented, "Their giggling making me feel sick."
Further condemnation poured in, with varying degrees of outrage expressed. One user suggested, "Should have left him in the upside down," while another bluntly labeled the situation as "Disgusting."
The severity of the situation was emphasized by a user who remarked, "It’s giving fetishization of genocide," highlighting the disturbing nature of the displayed behavior.
Some questioned the repercussions, with one user raising concerns, "How is he not getting fired for spreading hate?" The gravity of the controversy was reiterated by another individual who expressed disbelief, "Seriously?"
The outcry was amplified, with another user expressing deep dismay. They wrote, "Killing Children is sexy? Disgusting."
Noah Schnapp's previous controversies amid Israel-Hamas war
This isn't the first time Schnapp has faced criticism for his stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict. In a previous Instagram statement following Hamas' attack on Israel, which resulted in over 1,300 casualties and 240 hostages, Schnapp's words were viewed as supporting Israel's actions against Gaza.
His stance triggered a backlash and calls for a boycott of the new season of 'Stranger Things'.
Moreover, Schnapp was again at the center of controversy for allegedly liking a video mocking Muslims, pro-Palestine supporters, and the LGBTQ+ community.
The video, shared by Noa Tishby, author of 'Israel, A Simple Guide', parodied a YouTube news show, making derogatory remarks about Palestine and its supporters.
Situation remains dire in Gaza as conflict with Israel continues
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has seen a staggering death toll, with over 11,000 casualties in Gaza, including more than 4,500 children, as reported by the World Health Organization. The situation remains dire, with casualties occurring at an alarming rate of one every 10 minutes since the conflict began on October 7.
As the conflict persists into its second month, differences in opinions on Israel's strategies have emerged among its allies. The United States, while supporting Israel's right to defend itself, has been advocating for temporary ceasefires to facilitate humanitarian aid distribution to the besieged territories, where conditions are increasingly dire.
