Tiffany Haddish Sparks Controversy with Israel Trip, Faces Backlash Online

Comedian Tiffany Haddish has ignited a storm of controversy with her recent trip to Israel, causing a significant backlash online. The Hollywood star, known for her roles in films like ‘Girls Trip’ and ‘The Haunted Mansion,’ embarked on a journey from Los Angeles to Israel, documenting her travels on Instagram.

In a now-viral video, Haddish shared her excitement about visiting the ‘Holy Land,’ expressing her intentions to explore Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and even the Dead Sea. Her spontaneous decision to travel to Israel drew attention, with the State of Israel extending an invitation to throw her a Bat Mitzvah at the Western Wall.

While Haddish’s trip was met with enthusiasm by some, it coincided with heightened tensions in the region. The United States recently cast a contentious veto in the United Nations against a resolution regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict. Reports emerged of escalating violence in the Gaza Strip, particularly in the city of Rafah, with a rising death toll according to the Associated Press.

As Haddish chronicled her journey on Instagram, fans and critics alike expressed mixed reactions. Some praised her for embracing her heritage, referring to her 2020 comedy special ‘Black Mitzvah,’ while others condemned her for seemingly overlooking the ongoing conflict in the region.

The online backlash against Haddish’s Israel trip led to a rapid decline in her Instagram followers, with over 14,000 individuals unfollowing her within hours. The social media analytics platform Social Blade tracked the drop in her follower count, signaling a divisive response to her visit.

Notably, Haddish is not the only celebrity to face criticism for engaging with Israel amidst the conflict. Other public figures, including musicians and actors, have faced scrutiny for their connections to the nation during these tumultuous times.

Amidst the uproar surrounding her trip, Haddish also found herself embroiled in a revived feud with fellow comedian Mo’Nique. The two comedians have a history of conflict, which resurfaced recently after Mo’Nique made disparaging remarks about Haddish on a talk show.

Newsweek reached out to Tiffany Haddish for comment on the backlash received during her Israel trip, but the actress has yet to respond. The polarizing nature of her visit underscores the complex intersection of celebrity, politics, and personal identity.