BTS and BLACKPINK unexpectedly found themselves on the list of artists called for boycott in the Blockout 2024 movement – a protest against celebrities’ indifference to genocide.BTS and BLACKPINK unexpectedly found themselves on the list of artists called for boycott in the Blockout 2024 movement – a protest against celebrities’ indifference to genocide.
What is Blockout 2024?
For the past 7 months, the world has expressed outrage at the killing of civilians in the Gaza Strip of Palestine. According to statistics from Gaza’s health authorities, the Israel – Palestine conflict since October 7, 2023, has resulted in at least 34,735 deaths, including over 14,000 children.
Since the beginning of the conflict, Israel has designated the border city of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip, as a “safe zone” for civilians. As a result, over 1.5 million Palestinians, mostly children, have sought refuge in Rafah under dire living conditions. Despite earlier assurances, Israel continues to bombard this area.
While Rafah suffered the ravages of war, at the same time in the United States, the high-end fashion event Met Gala was held with great fanfare in early May.
The contrasting images between Rafah and the Met Gala anger many netizens. They criticize the celebrities attending the world’s largest fashion event for not using their influence and wealth to help in the humanitarian crisis.
They pointed out that while the 2024 Oscars saw many stars expressing political views by wearing a red pin to support Artists4Ceasefire, opposing Israel’s attack on Gaza, the Met Gala took a different direction, limiting discussions.
This frustration then evolved into a social media movement called Blockout 2024.
Through this movement, people call for blocking or unfollowing celebrities or organizations with a large social media presence. The purpose is to send a message against complicity and to damage the social media income of celebrities to the maximum extent.
The boycott campaign is expected to put pressure on public figures to use their influential platforms to spread information supporting calls for ceasefire.
Marcus Collins, assistant professor of marketing at the University of Michigan, believes that those responding to the movement hope it brings clearer perspectives on justice, thus urging political forces like the US government to do something to reduce violence in the Middle East. However, the expert doubts the effectiveness of this approach.
Regarding why people support Blockout 2024, he explains that the public feels trapped in a sense of helplessness, encouraging people to voice their opinions in urgent times helps foster a sense of agency.
“It’s a feeling of having done something to impact others that can make a difference. Because in their minds, it’s better to do something small than nothing at all,” Collins said.
BTS and BLACKPINK are also included in the boycott list
The Blockout 2024 movement was initiated by some TikTok content creators and quickly gained momentum.
The list of celebrities called for boycott includes big names such as Kim Kardashian, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Kylie Jenner, Zendaya, Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, Khloe Kardashian, Ariana Grande, Doja Cat, Demi Lovato, Lizzo, Nicki Minaj, Travis Scott, Kanye West, Katy Perry, Zac Efron, Joe Jonas, Nick Jonas, Kevin Jonas, Justin Timberlake, and many others.
After the Met Gala, the movement became even louder, adding celebrities who attended the event to the “blacklist.” Turkish television channel TRT World also shared a video showing a decrease in the number of followers on the personal accounts of celebrities in reality.
On May 11, Bisan Owda, a Palestinian journalist who recently won the prestigious Peabody Award in the US for reporting from the Gaza Strip, posted on Instagram expressing support for Blockout 2024.
Owda wrote: “It’s time to block all celebrities who remain silent,” accompanied by a long list of names. Interestingly, the official Instagram accounts of BLACKPINK and BTS were prominently listed by the reporter. In addition, Lisa’s personal account also appeared.
Owda’s post sparked controversy among Kpop fans, especially BTS fans. Many fans felt targeting BTS was unfair because all members are currently serving in the military and may be bound by stricter laws regarding political statements.
However, defenses of BTS were quickly dismissed. Many argued that military service does not preclude making statements. They also criticized HYBE, BTS’s company, for not representing the boys in their absence.
Additionally, some argued that the boycott list needs to be expanded, beyond BTS and BLACKPINK, to include other Kpop idols who are also remaining silent.
