Gal Gadot skips Venice Film Festival amid pro-Palestine protests

The Venice International Film Festival has found itself at the center of a politically charged controversy following reports that ‘Israeli’ actress Gal Gadot would not attend this year’s event.

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The story quickly spread through international media and is marked by two narratives: initial reports suggesting her absence was a result of pro-Palestinian protests, and subsequent statements from her team stating she was never confirmed to attend.

The controversy was ignited by a pro-Palestinian group known as Venice4Palestine, composed of over 1,500 Italian film industry professionals, including notable directors Marco Bellocchio and Matteo Garrone.

The collective sent an open letter to the festival's organizers, demanding they "take a strong stand" on "the most pressing issues facing society" and specifically called on them to "acknowledge the genocide and ethnic cleansing taking place in Gaza".

A second, more targeted letter demanded the invitations for Gadot and her co-star Gerard Butler be rescinded due to their support for the ‘Israeli’ government .

Following this pressure, prominent Italian and Hebrew news outlets, including “La Repubblica” and “Israel Hayom”, reported that Gadot would be skipping the festival.

However, this narrative was quickly challenged. A representative for the actress told Deadline and other sources that Gadot "was never able nor was ever confirmed to attend the Venice Film Festival".

It was also reported that her absence was a pre-planned decision made before the protest letter was even sent.

Gadot herself took the unusual step of using an Instagram story, in which Jewish businessman and influencer Ari Ackerman said that she was never scheduled to appear.

In response to the protests, Venice Film Festival director Alberto Barbera stated that the festival does not "boycott artists" and is instead a place for "open discussion and sensitivity" on global issues.

The Italian government also weighed in, with member of Parliament Isabella De Monte describing the protest as "reckless" and arguing that Gadot's "only crime is being Israeli".