Renée Rapp, an American singer, songwriter, and actress, used her platform at the GLAAD Media Awards to demand an end to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and a ceasefire in Gaza. The ceremony was held on March 14th at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles. Rapp was accepting the award for Outstanding Music Artist when she made the comments, calling on influential and privileged people to show support for those in Gaza who are facing oppression.
The GLAAD Media Awards was launched in 1990 to recognise media that represents queer people and issues fairly, accurately, and inclusively. Wayne Brady hosted the 2024 edition, which saw famous faces such as Sydney Sweeney, Billie Joe Armstrong, Jason Sudeikis, G Flip, and Kate Hudson in attendance. The show will be broadcast on Hulu from March 29 for those in the United States.
Rapp’s remarks followed several music acts pulling out of the annual SXSW Festival in solidarity with Palestine. In March 2024, Kneecap, Sprints, Soda Blonde, Gavin James, Robert Grace, Mick Flannery, Chalk, Gurriers, Cardinals, and NewDad all withdrew from the event, as did all Irish acts on the bill. Others, including Lambrini Girls, Scowl, Gel, Rachel Chinouriri, and Gruff Rhys, also pulled out of the festival, which was dubbed a “war machine” by some. The US Army and defence contractor RTX Corporation, which has supplied weapons to Israel, were named as “super sponsors” of the event, triggering backlash.
According to a report by the BBC, more than 30,000 Palestinians had been killed in Gaza since October 7, with the number likely to be far higher as the count does not include those who have not reached hospitals. The conflict intensified when thousands of Hamas fighters launched an attack into southern Israel on October 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking 253 hostages.
Rapp is set to perform at the 2024 Reading & Leeds Festival, along with Liam Gallagher, Lana Del Rey, Blink-182, Fred Again.., Gerry Cinnamon, Catfish & The Bottlemen, and more. Remaining tickets are available on Ticketmaster’s website
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