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 globally recognized for her portrayal of Wonder Woman in the DC Extended Universe. She initially rose to prominence after winning Miss Israel in 2004 and served two years in the Israeli Defense Forces. Her acting career began with the Israeli TV series Bubot in 2007. Gadot gained further recognition through a Maxim photo shoot and secured a significant role as Gisele Yashar in the Fast & Furious franchise starting in 2009, solidifying her position in Hollywood before her breakthrough as Wonder Woman.
October 2016: Wonder Woman as Honorary Ambassador at the UN
On 21 October 2016, Gal Gadot, along with fellow Wonder Woman actress Lynda Carter and others, attended the United Nations to mark Wonder Woman's designation as the "Honorary Ambassador for the Empowerment of Women and Girls". This initiative, intended to promote UN Sustainable Development Goal No. 5, faced protests and was discontinued on 16 December.
January 2018: Critique in The Forward
In January 2018, Jenny Singer critiqued how Gadot is portrayed in the media, particularly on the cover of Vanity Fair, arguing that she is often reduced to a sex object.
2019: Clash with Netanyahu over Arab Minority Rights
In 2019, Gadot defended actress Rotem Sela's call for equality for all citizens, after Prime Minister Netanyahu remarked that Israel is a "nation-state" for Jews only. Gadot's emphasis on "peace, equality, and tolerance" led to mixed reactions.
March 2020: Celebrity 'Imagine' Video Backlash
In March 2020, Gadot and other celebrities performed an online version of John Lennon's "Imagine" to raise morale during the COVID-19 pandemic. The video received backlash and was described as an ineffective response.
2021: Backlash During the Israel-Palestine Crisis
In 2021, during the Israel–Palestine crisis, Gadot called for peace in a statement that sparked backlash for its perceived neutrality and downplaying of Palestinian suffering. She was criticized for not taking a stronger stance in support of Israel.
October 2023: Criticism During the Israel-Hamas War
In October 2023, during the Israel-Hamas war, Gadot's Instagram post condemning the killing of both innocent Palestinians and Israelis led to criticism from Israeli figures who accused her of equating the two and not understanding the gravity of the situation.
November 2023: Organizing Screening of 'Bearing Witness'
In November 2023, Gadot organized a screening of the Israeli film "Bearing Witness," which shows the violence of Hamas. The event, to which 120 people were invited, faced criticism for overlooking the situation in Palestine and serving those promoting war.
August 2024: Snow White Boycott Calls
In August 2024, calls from pro-Palestinian activists to boycott Disney's Snow White remake emerged due to Gal Gadot's support for Israel.
January 2025: Participation in '#BringOnTheLight' Campaign and Golden Globes Controversy
In January 2025, Gadot participated in Noa Tishby’s '#BringOnTheLight' campaign, celebrating Jewish resilience during Hanukkah. She later faced backlash for not wearing a yellow ribbon pin at the Golden Globes, a symbol of support for hostages held by Hamas, clarifying she was never told not to wear it and instead wore a yellow ring.
