Dua Lipa says her criticism of “Israeli genocide” was for “greater good”
Dua Lipa has defended speaking out against the “Israeli genocide”, saying that it was for the “greater good”.
The ‘Radical Optimism’ singer shared her support for #AllEyesOnRafah last month in light of Israel’s intensified military operations in the Palestinian city, which is located in the southern Gaza Strip.
“Burning children alive can never be justified,” Lipa wrote on her Instagram Stories. “The whole world is mobilising to stop the Israeli genocide. Please show your solidarity with Gaza. #AllEyesOnRafah.”
The pop star was recently referenced in an Israeli drill rap song that called for violence against public figures who have expressed pro-Palestinian views.
During a new interview with the Radio Times, Lipa explained that she was willing to risk a backlash over making public political statements.
She said: “When I speak about things that are political, I double-, triple-check myself to be: ‘OK, this is about something that is way bigger than me, and it’s necessary – and that’s the only reason I’m posting it’. That is my only solace in doing that.
“It’s always going to be met with a backlash and other people’s opinions, so it’s a big decision. I balance it out, because ultimately I feel it’s for the greater good, so I’m willing to [take that hit].”
Lipa, who was born in London to Kosovan-Albanian parents, explained that her heritage had influenced her politics.
“[Speaking up is] a natural inclination for me, given my background and heritage, and that my very existence is somewhat political – it’s not something that is out of the ordinary for me to be feeling close to,” she continued.
Last October, Lipa joined the likes of Michael Stipe and Cate Blanchett in signing an open letter to US President Joe Biden calling for a ceasefire, and urging for “an end to the bombing of Gaza and the safe release of hostages”.
She also shared her stance in an interview with Rolling Stone earlier this year, and once again called for world leaders to “take a stand”.
“My existence is kind of political, the fact that I lived in London because my parents left from the war… I feel for people who have to leave their home,” Lipa said.
“From my experience of being in Kosovo and understanding what war does, no one really wants to leave their home. They do it for protection, to save their family, to look after the people around them, that kind of thing, for a better life. So I feel close to it.
“I feel so bad for every Israeli life lost and what happened on Oct. 7. At the moment, what we have to look at is how many lives have been lost in Gaza, and the innocent civilians, and the lives that are just being lost.”
In May, Lipa said she felt “very close to” the people who are suffering from war, injustices and inequality. Elsewhere, she responded to the idea that fans don’t want pop stars to be “smart” or “political”.
“Not that I’m trying to prove myself in that way, but there is so much more to me than just what I do,” she added.
Lipa is currently on a European summer tour ahead of her debut headline performance at Glastonbury 2024 next Friday (June 28). She’ll top the iconic Pyramid Stage along with Coldplay and SZA.
Recently, Dua Lipa said she “manifested” headlining Glasto “by album three” early on in her career. Her third studio record, ‘Radical Optimism’, was released on May 3.
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Tom Skinner
NME
