Oscar-winning actress Emma Stone has found herself at the centre of a brewing storm after a seemingly offhand remark made during a Hollywood Q&A session sparked outrage and led to protests.
The incident occurred following a screening of her new film, 'Kinds of Kindness', in Los Angeles. While praising the film's director, Yorgos Lanthimos, Stone referred to him as a 'good Zionist', a comment that was met with immediate backlash from attendees.
The remark did not go unnoticed. Audience members reportedly shouted 'Free Palestine' in response, voicing their condemnation as the event concluded. This exchange highlights the deeply entrenched and polarising views within the entertainment industry regarding the ongoing Israel-Gaza war.
The tension escalated beyond the theatre walls. A group of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the venue, demonstrating against Stone's comment. Their presence underscores how the conflict continues to reverberate globally, influencing public discourse and celebrity culture.
This is not the first time the film's director has been scrutinised for his views. Yorgos Lanthimos had previously signed an open letter expressing solidarity with Israel following the 7 October Hamas attacks, a move that itself drew criticism from various quarters.
The event, intended to promote a new cinematic work, was ultimately overshadowed by the political moment, demonstrating the increasing difficulty for public figures to separate their art from the intense global commentary on geopolitical issues.
