Quote from Alex bobby on May 29, 2025, 6:49 AM

Five Arrested Over Pro-Palestine Protests at Gal Gadot Film Set in London

Tensions flared in central London this week after five individuals were arrested during pro-Palestine demonstrations targeting the filming of Gal Gadot’s upcoming action thriller The Runner. The protests, which disrupted the movie's production, have reignited debate about the intersection of celebrity, political activism, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Arrests on Set

On Wednesday, the Metropolitan Police were called to the set of The Runner in Westminster following reports of unrest linked to ongoing pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Authorities arrested three individuals on suspicion of harassment and for unlawfully obstructing access to a workplace. Two additional arrests were made in connection to earlier protests related to the same production.

All five individuals remain in police custody as investigations continue.

According to the Metropolitan Police, the protests were “solely because an actress involved in the production is Israeli.” While the statement did not mention Gadot by name, it is widely understood that the demonstrations centred on her involvement.

Police Statement: Striking a Balance

Superintendent Neil Holyoak defended the police response, saying officers had acted to maintain public order and ensure the safety and rights of those working on the film set.

“While we absolutely acknowledge the importance of peaceful protest, we have a duty to intervene where it crosses the line into serious disruption or criminality,” Holyoak said in a statement. “I hope today's operation shows we will not tolerate the harassment of or unlawful interference with those trying to go about their legitimate professional work in London."

The police presence around the set has since been increased to deter further disturbances.

Why the Protests?

Gal Gadot, an Israeli-born actress and former IDF soldier, has long been a polarising figure in global discussions around Israel and Palestine. Though widely celebrated for her roles in Wonder Woman and other Hollywood hits, Gadot’s open support for Israel—particularly during periods of military conflict—has drawn sharp criticism from pro-Palestinian activists.

Earlier this year, her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony was also met with protests, where demonstrators voiced outrage over her past social media posts supporting Israeli defence forces during the 2014 Gaza conflict.

The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic & Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) has specifically called for a boycott of Gadot’s films, asserting that her public support for Israel’s military campaigns aligns her with the oppression of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

In a statement released previously, PACBI said, "By supporting Israel’s brutal military occupation, Gal Gadot has positioned herself as a propagandist for apartheid. Films featuring her should not be welcomed or platformed."

A Growing Trend of Politicised Protests in Entertainment

This latest incident reflects a growing trend of protests targeting entertainers and public figures perceived as being aligned with political causes or nations. It also revives debates around whether actors’ personal views and affiliations should influence public reception of their work.

Rachel Zegler, Gadot’s co-star in Disney’s live-action Snow White, also found herself at the center of controversy earlier this year. Zegler’s vocal support for Palestine contrasted starkly with Gadot’s pro-Israel stance, further fuelling divisions among audiences and activists. The fallout reportedly impacted the film’s release, with some critics and fans threatening to boycott the movie altogether.

This bifurcation of public opinion—often driven by viral social media discourse—has placed increasing pressure on studios, filmmakers, and actors to navigate politically charged waters with caution.

Industry Reaction and Public Response

So far, the production team behind The Runner has not issued a formal statement regarding the protests or arrests. However, sources close to the film suggest that security has been heightened and that filming will continue on schedule.

Public reaction has been divided. Some have condemned the targeting of Gadot as “unfair and discriminatory,” arguing that an actor’s nationality should not determine whether or not they can work freely. Others insist that Gadot’s platform and personal views warrant scrutiny and protest.

On TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), #BoycottGalGadot and #FreePalestine began trending in tandem with footage of the London protests. Supporters of Gadot have countered with hashtags like #StandWithGal and #StopTheHate.

The Bigger Picture

As the conflict in Gaza continues to command global attention, the entertainment world remains a symbolic battleground for ideological clashes. Whether through red carpet protests, online campaigns, or disruptions on set, the line between art and activism grows increasingly blurred.

The arrests in London serve as a reminder of the deeply emotional and political dimensions of international conflicts—and how those dimensions continue to play out far from the frontlines, even in the heart of the film industry.

Conclusion

The disruption of The Runner's filming and the subsequent arrests underscore the volatile intersection between politics and pop culture. Gal Gadot’s prominence as an actress and outspoken supporter of Israel has made her a focal point for protest in a deeply polarised global climate. As debates over freedom of speech, peaceful protest, and cultural boycotts intensify, the entertainment industry finds itself navigating uncharted—and increasingly contentious—territory.