Major Controversies Surrounding Gal Gadot: A Detailed Timeline

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Gal Gadot.

Gal Gadot is an Israeli actress best known for her role as Wonder Woman in the DC Extended Universe films. Her portrayal of the iconic superhero brought her international fame and critical acclaim. In 2018, she was recognized as one of Time's 100 most influential people. Gadot has also been recognized as one of the highest-paid actresses. Her accomplishments have led her to become the first Israeli actor to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2025, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

2004: Criticism for physique during pageant years

In 2004, Gadot faced criticism for her slim physique during her pageant years, with some speculating about eating disorders.

2014: Facebook Post Supporting the IDF During Gaza War

During the 2014 Gaza War, Gadot posted on Facebook a picture of herself and her daughter praying in front of Shabbat candles in support of the IDF. The post sparked both support and criticism due to differing views on the conflict.

2014: Gadot's Support for Israel's Gaza Offensive

In 2014, Gal Gadot expressed support for Israel's offensive in Gaza, leading to the banning of 'Death on the Nile' in Tunisia, Kuwait, and Lebanon in 2022.

October 2016: Appearance at the United Nations for Wonder Woman Designation

On October 21, 2016, Gadot appeared at the United Nations with fellow Wonder Woman actress Lynda Carter and others to mark Wonder Woman's designation as the "Honorary Ambassador for the Empowerment of Women and Girls".

November 2017: Reprised role in Justice League and alleged verbal abuse by Joss Whedon

In November 2017, Gal Gadot reprised her role as Wonder Woman in the film 'Justice League'. During production, she alleged that director Joss Whedon verbally abused her and threatened her career.

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January 2018: Critique of Media Portrayal in The Forward

In January 2018, Jenny Singer critiqued Gadot's media portrayal in The Forward, arguing that despite her achievements, she is often reduced to a sex object. Singer suggested that Gadot's background contributes to the media's focus on her looks rather than her accomplishments.

2018: Endorsement deal with Reebok and controversy with Huawei

In 2018, Reebok announced an endorsement deal with Gadot, and she became a brand ambassador for Huawei, leading to controversy after she tweeted a promotional video using an Apple device.

2019: Clash with Netanyahu over Status of Israel's Arab Minority

In 2019, Gadot clashed with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu over the status of Israel's Arab minority, defending Rotem Sela's call for equality for all. Her comments sparked mixed reactions.

March 2020: "Imagine" performance during COVID-19 pandemic

On 18 March 2020, Gal Gadot and other celebrities performed an online version of John Lennon's song "Imagine" to raise morale during the COVID-19 pandemic, which received backlash for being an ineffective gesture.

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November 2020: Backlash after Congratulating Joe Biden and Kamala Harris

In November 2020, Gadot faced backlash for congratulating Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on their election win, drawing criticism from Trump supporters and others who accused her of being a populist and a "Hollywood liberal who has forgotten what is good for her country."

2021: Backlash for Statement on Israel-Palestine Crisis

During the 2021 Israel–Palestine crisis, Gadot initially stayed silent which led to criticism from Israeli and Jewish media. She then called for peace in a statement that sparked widespread backlash for its perceived neutrality and downplaying of Palestinian suffering.

October 2022: Backlash for Supporting Jewish Community Amid Kanye West's Remarks

In October 2022, Gadot faced backlash after posting support for the Jewish community amid Kanye West's "anti-Semitic" remarks, with some accusing her of using the moment for publicity due to her previous silence on Israel-related issues.

2022: Criticism for Silence Following Attacks in Israel

In 2022, Gadot faced criticism for remaining silent following several attacks in Israel, with rapper Yoav Eliasi demanding she speak out on the attacks. Gadot later responded to her mother's post with a message: "My mother, you are a kind-hearted angel. Only love brings love".

October 2023: Controversy over Israel-Hamas war comments

In October 2023, during the Israel–Hamas war, Gal Gadot faced criticism for her Instagram post which stated, "Killing innocent Palestinians is horrific", alongside condemning the killing of Israelis, leading to backlash and accusations of being out of touch.

November 2023: Advocacy and screening of Bearing Witness

In November 2023, Gal Gadot continued her advocacy by organizing a screening of 'Bearing Witness', an Israeli film showing the violence of Hamas, though she did not attend the screening, which was criticized by some as propaganda.

May 2024: Advocacy for Eden Golan

In May 2024, Gal Gadot advocated for Eden Golan, Israel's Eurovision representative, which led to a loss of one million Instagram followers, though she continued to support Golan.

August 2024: Calls to Boycott Disney's Snow White Remake

In August 2024, pro-Palestinian activists called for a boycott of Disney's 'Snow White' remake due to Gal Gadot's support for Israel.

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March 2025: Death Threats to Gadot Linked to Snow White Co-Star

In March 2025, Gal Gadot received death threats linked to her 'Snow White' co-star Rachel Zegler's "Free Palestine" post, leading Disney to assign her bodyguards.

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March 18, 2025: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star Ceremony and Protests

On March 18, 2025, Gadot received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, becoming the first Israeli actor to receive this honor. The ceremony was disrupted by both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protesters, highlighting the controversies surrounding her public image.

2025: Golden Globes Controversy

In 2025, Gal Gadot faced backlash for attending the Golden Globes without wearing a yellow ribbon pin to support hostages held by Hamas, clarifying she was not forbidden and wore a yellow ring instead, sparking accusations of hypocrisy and defenses from others.

2030: Target Year for UN Sustainable Development Goal No. 5

In October 2016, Gadot appeared at the United Nations to mark Wonder Woman's designation as "Honorary Ambassador for the Empowerment of Women and Girls", the goal of which was to raise awareness of UN Sustainable Development Goal No. 5, which seeks to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls by 2030.