Celebrities who publicly back President Donald Trump are both rare and brave. The stance puts a bright red target on their professional backs.
Just ask Cheryl Hines, who only stood by her man (Trump Health and Human Services appointee Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.) and saw her Hollywood career fade to black.
Backing Israel comes with similar drawbacks. It’s not the “cool” position in La La Land like shouting “Free Palestine” at major awards shows. It might cost you work or put another kind of target on your back.
Pop superstar Boy George just found that out. The ‘80s mainstay isn’t known for his political musings, but he recently leaned on A.I. to create a new song supporting Israel.
“We Will Dance Again” slams those who claim the country’s war on Hamas is a genocide:
You say genocide, I say war, when you’re attacked, it’s what the army’s for … Does it get ugly? You bet it does, when I know you want to kill every last one of us.
The fallout proved swift. He just voluntarily backed out of a London-based “Jesus Christ Superstar” production.
The singer, who would have played King Herod, said he made the decision for the good of the production. Would he have had to do that if he had shouted, “Free Palestine” at a glitzy awards show?
Unlikely. Will more career repercussions haunt the 65-year-old star? Likely.
That’s the arts-and-culture status quo.
Michael Rapaport has been unequivocal in his pro-Israel comments and attacks on Hamas terrorists. And, as a result, he received a not-so-veiled threat from an Antifa-like group in 2024 for daring to bring his comedy act to Portland, Oregon.
When he performed in Denver last year, his team had the club wand patrons, ensuring no weapons entered the building. That’s not standard operating procedure at the club in question.
That hasn’t silenced the loquacious star. Rapaport released a searing satirical video last year before the Oscars ceremony that mocked his fellow artists for ignoring the plight of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
He claims his prolific acting career has cooled a bit since becoming more vocal on the issue.
More recently, he vowed to challenge New York City’s Zohran Mamdani, a leader eager to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in 2029 for Big Apple mayor.
Singer John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting fame has been equally vocal in his support for Israel. Ondrasik repeatedly mentioned the ongoing hostage crisis during his recent music tours. He even vowed to sing alongside pianist Alon Ohel, one of many Israelis held hostage by Hamas.
Earlier this year, the singer-songwriter fulfilled that pledge by performing his hit song “Superman (It’s Not Easy)” with Ohel on his tour. “We prayed for that miracle. We hoped for that miracle, and my friends, that miracle is right now.”
The music industry was shockingly silent on the Oct. 7 savagery, specifically the massacre at the Nova Music Festival. U2’s Bono and Madonna mentioned the atrocities, albeit briefly. Otherwise, the industry has been quiet, save for comments from Ondrasik, more recently from Boy George, and from heavy metal singer David Draiman of Disturbed fame.
The singer scrawled “Bleep Hamas” on an IDF artillery shell and has used his X account to share pro-Israel messaging. His stance also sparked safety concerns and at least one concert cancellation.
The band’s Belgium gig got scrapped by the city’s mayor due to “public safety fears” tied to protesters.
Other pro-Israel voices came from unexpected places. Actress Patricia Heaton isn’t Jewish, but she’s been loud and proud in defending Israel and calling out Hamas for its terrorist ways. She also helped create the October 7 Coalition (07C), a Christian-led group to rally spiritually minded souls to fight antisemitism and support Israel.
“Will & Grace” alum Debra Messing penned a post for The Times of Israel calling out the stunning rise in antisemitism while suggesting her fellow progressives have lost their way given the party’s recent anti-Israel stance, writing:
I still believe in the progressive vision. But I’m watching closely, because if it can’t make space for my community, then it’s not what it claims to be.
Israeli-born actress Gal Gadot of “Wonder Woman” fame earned her homeland’s Genesis Prize for her support. She hasn’t hidden her pride in her homeland, which may have been awkward during the 2026 “Snow White” press rollout. Her co-star, Rachel Zegler, is a strong pro-Palestine force.
The actress known to millions as Blossom, Mayim Bialik, lent her voice to the small pro-Israel contingent of Hollywood stars. Bialik did more than sign an open letter condemning an Israeli film boycott.
Her staunch support of the Jewish state has her fearing for her life and the lives of her children. She has had several incidents in recent years that left her feeling threatened for her views.
And then there’s the least political comedian possible, Jerry Seinfeld.
The stand-up legend has been hounded in public by pro-Palestinian protesters. Each time, he’s deflected their comments with biting humor. That wasn’t all he has done for Israel.
He visited Tel Aviv following the Oct. 7 attacks to meet with survivors as well as the family members of the hostages.
These artists stood up for Israel, the Jewish people, and against Hamas. It’s a small list that comes with no perks and plenty of sacrifices, but these voices refuse to be silenced.
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Christian Toto is an award-winning journalist, movie critic and editor of HollywoodInToto.com. He previously served as associate editor with Breitbart News’ Big Hollywood. He’s also the host of The Hollywood in Toto Podcast. Follow him at @HollywoodInToto.