Streaming Personality Under Fire for Anti-Semitic Remarks
Left-leaning Twitch streamer Hasan Piker faced backlash after Gal Gadot, known for her role in Wonder Woman, criticized him for his outspoken support of Israel, even calling him a “shitty actress.”
In an interview with Variety, Piker was questioned about a campaign aimed at urging the Oscars to disinvite Gadot due to her advocacy for Israel. The interviewer posed the question, “Is such a campaign fair?”
Piker didn’t hold back in his response. He made a pointed remark about Gadot’s acting talent, stating, “I think she should be kicked out of the Oscars for being a shitty actress. I don’t think her presence should be there because of her past performances, not only in the DC series but also in every film she’s appeared in.”
This attack took a more troubling turn as Piker made a sexist comment, framing it as a joke, while accusing Gadot of normalizing Israel.
He argued, “All jokes aside, Gal Gadot plays a significant role in presenting Israel not as a fascist state but as a place of beautiful women. And yes, some of those women serve in the Israel Defense Forces, which involves a strange kind of sexualization that further normalizes and glosses over Israel’s actions.”
Piker also suggested that Gadot should take cues from fellow Israeli actress Natalie Portman, who has openly critiqued Israel.
His vocal disdain for Israel has led to three major brands withdrawing their advertisements from Twitch, the platform he streams on, last year. Companies such as AT&T, JPMorgan Chase, and Dunkin’ Brands pulled their ads as part of a larger controversy regarding accusations that Twitch promotes anti-Semitism through Piker’s content.
In a separate incident, Piker controversially stated that Americans “deserved” the 9/11 attacks. His expletive-filled tirade from 2019 resurfaced, where he defiantly commented on the matter.
Piker reiterated a contentious stance on social media, saying, “America’s foreign policy decisions caused 9/11. This would have raised eyebrows back in 2001. Just stop being ignorant.”
