After enduring a week of online backlash for her involvement in a promotional video for the 51 Park luxury residential development in Herzliya, Israel, actress Gwyneth Paltrow has chosen to remain silent on social media, refraining from addressing the criticism publicly. The 53-year-old Academy Award winner stars in a commercial released by Aviv by Melisron, where she narrates a morning routine and extols the virtues of park-side buildings in Herzliya, Israel, rather than New York, as suggested by a driver in the ad.
The promotional video, initially shared on YouTube and Instagram by the developer, quickly garnered widespread attention following reposts that sparked strong public reactions. Notably, an Instagram post by satirist account Saint Hoax criticizing Paltrow’s participation in the ad received hundreds of thousands of likes, leading to a flood of negative comments on various social media platforms. Commenters highlighted the ongoing Gaza conflict and its humanitarian impact as reasons why Paltrow’s involvement was deemed inappropriate.
Despite not sharing the ad on her own social accounts, Paltrow faced backlash through comments on her recent Instagram posts, with many users posting Palestinian flags and “Free Palestine” messages. Various public figures joined in the criticism, with activist Alana Hadid, known for her pro-Palestine stance, describing Paltrow’s ad as “tone deaf.” Actor Geraldine Viswanathan and makeup influencer Matt Bernstein also expressed disapproval, with Bernstein labeling the situation as “greedy and depraved.”
While some supported Paltrow’s decision, including Israeli author and influencer Hen Mazzig, who commended her bravery in associating with Israel despite potential career risks, there were others like actor Selma Blair and Disturbed lead singer David Draiman who defended her actions. Paltrow’s situation is not unique, as other high-profile celebrities, such as Leonardo DiCaprio, have faced similar scrutiny for their ties to Israeli ventures, with DiCaprio being linked to an eco-hotel project and an Israeli cultivated-meat company.
Apart from Paltrow, celebrities like Ashton Kutcher, Jay-Z, Serena Williams, and Tobey Maguire have also been reported to support various Israeli tech and business endeavors. As of now, representatives for both Paltrow and Aviv by Melisron have not responded to requests for comments on the matter.
