The recent Met Gala, known for its extravagant fashion and celebrity attendees, has sparked a new online protest movement on TikTok. The movement, known as Blockout 2024 or Operation Blockout, targets high-profile figures who are perceived as not using their platforms to speak out about the Israel-Hamas war and other humanitarian crises.
The movement began after influencer Haley Kalil posted a controversial TikTok video wearing a lavish gown, which critics deemed as “tone deaf” given the current global conflicts. This sparked a wave of criticism towards celebrities who attended the Met Gala and were not addressing the ongoing crisis.
The goal of the social media protesters is to hold celebrities accountable for their silence on important issues by blocking them on social media. Supporters argue that blocking celebrities can have a significant impact on their ability to make money and can send a message about aligning values.
Key targets of the movement include celebrities like Zendaya, Kim Kardashian, and Kylie Jenner, as well as Vogue, which has been targeted due to its ties to the Met Gala. Critics of the movement argue that it is an example of “cancel culture” and may not lead to meaningful change.
Despite the controversy, some celebrities on the block lists have responded by urging their followers to donate to aid organizations serving Palestinians. The movement has also boosted celebrities who have spoken out about the conflict.
It remains to be seen whether more A-listers will start speaking out as a result of the block lists. However, the movement highlights the growing power of social media creators to influence and shape the actions of celebrities in today’s celebrity-centric culture.
