The lovable Will Byers from Stranger Things, Noah Scnapp, seems to have taken a detour into the upside-down realm of controversy, facing severe backlash after sharing a video featuring him and his friends laughing and holding up tasteless stickers with controversial messages, including "Zionism is sexy" and "Hamas is ISIS".
Noah Schnapp handing out “Hamas is Isis” and “Zionism is sexy” stickers pic.twitter.com/PXVHC80Jmt
— lexie (@gomezquality) November 13, 2023
Lauren Jauregi, a former member of Fifth Harmony, was among those who publicly denounced Schnapp's behaviour. She questioned the appropriateness of invoking the word "sexy" in the context of a conflict marked by violence and loss of life.
It’s because they’re necrophiliacs. That is the only logical conclusion I can come to from all of this. Who the fuck even evokes the word “sexy” in the midst of genocide or has the capacity to rape people when they’re in the most terrified and disempowered state… https://t.co/ixcwzPexAl
— Lauren Jauregui (@LaurenJauregui) November 13, 2023
Unrest has continued to grow in Palestine over the last few weeks, after Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7, leaving at least 1,200 people dead. The tensions have escalated amid retaliatory attacks, with Gazan health officials reporting that the Palestinian death toll has surpassed 11,000.
Noah Schnapp having stickers saying “Zionism is Sexy” and “Hamas is ISIS”. This man is a white American who has never been affected by oppression. “Zionism is sexy” so the oppression and murder of Palestinians satisfies you? Alright
— Joseph Jaho (@RealJosephJaho) November 13, 2023
The Internet of course, hasn’t held back on the virtual pitchforks. One tweet proclaimed, "Noah Schnapp might be top 10 most disgusting people in the world right now."
noah schnapp might be top 10 most disgusting people in the world right now pic.twitter.com/jAmBRERsvB
— ari ® (@conniesbabie) November 13, 2023
Many called for Schnapp to reconsider his actions and questioned the sincerity of his previous statement on Instagram, where he had expressed fear and concern for the ongoing conflict.
fuck noah schnapp he should've been will byers https://t.co/vT8IQcwzgE pic.twitter.com/c6bVHngync
— regussy (@junkieprongs) November 8, 2023
The apparent contradiction between his expressed concern for the situation and his participation in creating and promoting offensive content left fans perplexed and angered.
I stand with the demogorgon that took Noah Schnapp https://t.co/f7GIsjgZUb
— Blaze💚| 🖤#Dragula🖤 (@BlazesAccount) November 6, 2023
While some face career repercussions for expressing solidarity with Palestine, Schnapp seems to be navigating this storm like a character with considerable plot armour.
Critics drew attention to the broader issue of privilege and the perceived double standards in how individuals are treated based on their stance in the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Some pointed out the stark contrast between Schnapp's seemingly unscathed career and the career consequences faced by those who publicly supported Palestine.
it fills me with so much rage how palestinian public figures have to be so careful with their words in support of their own people but noah schnapp continuously spreads misinformation, propaganda and disrespects people who are suffering a literal genocide without any consequences https://t.co/JRRmYH4MZ5
— ❦ (@saintdoII) November 13, 2023
Despite the fervent online discussions and the widespread condemnation, Schnapp has remained silent on the issue, choosing not to address the outrage publicly.
the cast when Noah Schnapp walks onto set pic.twitter.com/mP8GS1Qn5D
— Croc | 🦦 (@Croc_Block) November 9, 2023
In the grand theatre of celebrity missteps, Schnapp has managed to outdo himself. Will he learn from this experience and emerge as a wiser, more socially aware version of Will Byers? Or will he continue to bask in the glow of controversy like a moth to a questionable decision-making flame?