Megyn Kelly, a prominent podcaster, called for a boycott of pop superstar Taylor Swift. This response came after Swift attended a fundraiser organized by comedian Ramy Youssef, with proceeds going to American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA), a group providing humanitarian relief in Gaza. The event, a stop on Youssef's "More Feelings" tour, took place at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.
Megyn Kelly, on her show "The Megyn Kelly Show," expressed strong disapproval of Swift's participation. She stated, "I hope they boycott her events until she issues it because attending this thing was wrong." Kelly criticized Swift for supporting a charity working in Gaza, pointing out the region's complex political situation. Her guest, Andrew Klavan, added, "She's a likable pop star, and I guess all I can say about that is I don't turn to my pop stars for political wisdom. I wish they would shut up and sing."
Kelly's call for a boycott stems from her belief that Swift's attendance at the event indirectly supports Gaza's governance, which she views as problematic regarding women's and LGBTQ rights. Kelly emphasized, "Do some googling - see what they do in Gaza to gays. See about women's rights in Gaza, Taylor."
Despite Kelly's stance, Swift's fans, colloquially known as "Swifties," defended her, arguing that attending a comedy show doesn't equate to active political support. They pointed out, "Taylor going to see a comedy show is not her actively supporting Gaza. this is Ramy actively supporting Gaza." This highlights a broader debate about the extent to which celebrities should be held accountable for their appearances at events with political or humanitarian dimensions.
Taylor Swift, who recently celebrated her 34th birthday, has not made any public statements regarding the controversy. Her publicist, Tree Paine, has not responded to requests for comments from various media outlets.
Ramy Youssef, the organizer of the event, emphasized his intention to provide humanitarian support through the fundraiser. His Emmy-nominated comedy tour is expected to continue with international stops, showcasing his commitment to blending entertainment with social causes.
The incident raises questions about the responsibilities of public figures like Taylor Swift in navigating their influence and presence in politically sensitive contexts. The controversy also reflects the broader challenges faced by celebrities when their actions intersect with complex global issues. The unfolding situation highlights the need for a nuanced understanding of the implications of such participation and its potential impact on public opinion and discourse.
