Kean Students React To Celebrity Backlash
By Cindy Lazo | Published by April 22, 2020
On March 18, Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot posted a video of herself and other celebrities covering John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ in what was meant to be uplifting during the coronavirus crisis.
“This virus had affected the entire world,” Gadot said in the video. “Doesn’t matter who you are, where you’re from, we’re all in this together.”
“The viral video that saw Gal Gadot and many stars, including Mark Ruffalo and Will Ferrell, covering John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ received online backlash” Courtesy of Gal Gadot’s Instagram page.
Instead, the video that featured stars such as Mark Ruffalo, Will Ferrell and Natalie Portman received backlash from many on social media platforms, criticizing that those who participated in the Instagram video should be contributing more towards resources or testing rather than singing.
They were also criticized for singing about no possessions while being self-isolated in their lavish homes.
A number of former and current Kean students share the same sentiment.
“If they aren’t also contributing with money in their celebrity [bank] accounts, they can shut their pie holes,” Jodie Battaglia, a senior pursuing a degree in Fine Arts, said.
Kean Alumni Josh Rosario also had some strong opinions.
“I’m stuck in my 1 bedroom and they’re singing because they’re trapped in some mansion in Cali,” Rosario said. “Now I need a relief for my eardrums.”
Darimar Weert, an accounting major graduate student from the class of 2019, had suggestions of what celebrities should be doing during the COVID-19 crisis, such as raising money for hospital supplies and for community food banks.
Actor Jamie Dornan spoke about his participation in a podcast, explaining that Kristen Wiig had asked if he would like to be involved in it.
“[Gal] was trying to do a good and kind thing and just got nailed for it,” Dornan said. “I just got dragged along with it, but listen, what are we going to do.”
There are a number of well-known figures who are helping in the fight against the coronavirus.
In late March, singer Rihanna’s foundation, the Clara Lionel Foundation, had announced their $5 million donation to organizations, such as Feeding America and Direct Relief, that are assisting with the pandemic.
Basketball Player Stephen Curry and his wife Ayesha launched an online fundraiser for Feeding America to provide daily meals for children who rely on school food. The organization had raised more than $160,000.
Pop singer Lady Gaga is partnering with the World Health Organization and Global Citizen for a benefit concert, that is scheduled for April 18, to support the U.N. Foundation’s COVID-19 Response Fund. She and Global Citizen have also raised more than $35 million for protective equipment for healthcare workers.
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