Introduction

Five years ago, a slew of celebrities gathered for what was intended to be a virtual comfort during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, their rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine” became a symbol of tone-deafness, igniting backlash and reflection in the midst of a global crisis. Gal Gadot spearheaded this initiative, sharing a three-minute video on Instagram that still resides on her profile for all to see.

The Video's Premise

The video opens with Gadot stating, “Hey guys, day six in self-quarantine…” before shifting into a montage of stars from Zoe Kravitz to Mark Ruffalo performing the iconic song. While the intention behind the collaboration was to instill a sense of unity during unprecedented times, it instead became a front-row seat to the disconnect between the lives of the wealthy and the struggles of everyday citizens grappling with a pandemic.

Public Reflection and Backlash

As viewers reflect on the visual artifact of 2020, the video serves as a painful reminder of a time when the optimism associated with celebrity-driven social media campaigns began to fray. With hindsight, we now see “Imagine” as a misstep amid mounting crises—both social and political. The backlash was swift and fierce, pointing to the privilege of wealthy individuals who seemed to trivialize collective suffering.

Shifts in Celebrity Activism

In retrospect, the golden age of social media in the 2010s was defined by celebrities amplifying their authenticity. Momentous occasions, such as Ellen DeGeneres’s iconic Oscars selfie in 2014, exemplified a time when shared moments of camaraderie were celebrated. Yet, "Imagine" epitomized a shift in public sentiment, sparking questions about the true role of celebrities in times of dire need.

The New Chapter of Activism

By the summer of 2020, as protests erupted following George Floyd's murder, a new chapter of celebrity activism unfolded. The viral trend of black squares on Instagram aimed to support the Black Lives Matter movement, but it quickly backfired, reflecting the pitfalls of performative allyship.

Evolving Expectations

Fast forward to today, and we witness a notable decline in the public's tolerance for celebrity activism, especially among the Hollywood elite. The backlash has spurred a general skepticism towards celebrity influence—many have become increasingly reticent to engage publicly in socio-political discourse for fear of backlash or being perceived as insincere. The humor at the recent Golden Globes, where comedian Nikki Glaser quipped about celebrities’ perceived inaction, underlines this existential crisis faced by A-listers as they navigate the treacherous waters of public expectations.

Lessons Learned from 'Imagine'

In many ways, Gal Gadot’s “Imagine” video represents a lesson—a call for authenticity over empty gestures. While Gadot and other participants have distanced themselves from the video, acknowledging it as “in poor taste,” the nuance of celebrity influence has evolved. In times of crisis, the public increasingly yearns for accountability and tangible action, learning that a simple song may not suffice when healing is needed.

The Future of Celebrity Activism

As the world continues to grapple with various crises, it becomes increasingly clear that celebrities must adapt their approaches. The days of merely sharing inspirational quotes or songs are being replaced by demands for meaningful contributions and actions. While “Imagine” may have signified the blissful optimism of a bygone era, it simultaneously marked the beginning of a new reality for celebrity engagement—a reality where intentions must align with actions.

Conclusion

Will celebrities rise to the occasion and offer concrete support in the face of adversity? Or will they retreat into silence, wary of making another misstep? Only time will tell, but the stakes have never been higher.