Lady Gaga is getting enormous praise for her “inclusive” half-time show at the Superbowl in the United States. She has been relatively open about her disdain for the fascist Trump regime and ICE thuggery.

But this is a classic case of “progressive except for Palestine.” Gaga has said absolutely NOTHING regarding Israel’s genocide in Gaza. And this is important because she has never been neutral about the apartheid state.

Gaga performed in Israel in 2014 just after its brutal assault on the open-air concentration that is Gaza. At one point during the concert, she shouted out to her adoring Israeli fans “I fucking love you, Israel.” Following her 2014 visit, Gaga pushed back against public criticism and condemnation, stating in an interview with The Independent that “the world view of Israel is just not reality” and describing Tel Aviv as “magnificent.”

Gaga is also frequently listed by pro-Israel organizations like Creative Community for Peace as an artist who publicly rejects the cultural boycott of Israel (BDS).

Some have erroneously suggested that Gaga has changed after images of “Free Palestine” were displayed on stage at her current Mayhem Ball tour. But this is not her messaging. Fans can simply use a QR code to upload an image to be displayed. Her team merely weeds out obscene or openly violent content.

Gaga is emblematic of American celebrity culture which is proficient in performative solidarity. One which takes no real risks. But is instead focused on image and optics.

While her anti-ICE messaging is admirable, it rings hollow due to her deafening silence on the worst atrocity in the 21st century and her past endorsements of the genocidal state.

Kenn Maurice Orfanos, February 2026