Natalie Portman called out over ‘Israel’ silence after comments on ICE

• Critics accuse Natalie Portman of condemning US state violence while remaining silent on Gaza.
• Online backlash has overshadowed her “ICE out” message at Sundance.

Natalie Portman sparked controversy after appearing at the Sundance Film Festival using her interview at the event to voice opposition to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement while wearing an “ICE out” pin.

The actress said "It's impossible not to talk about what is happening right now and the brutality of ICE and how it has to stop immediately."

"Also the beautiful community that Americans are showing right now, showing up for each other, protecting each other, and fighting for their freedom. It's a bittersweet moment to celebrate something we're so proud of on a backdrop of our nation really in pain," she added.

Her words aligned her with a growing movement, backed by several high-profile figures, demanding restrictions on ICE and accountability for law enforcement violence.

Viewers, however, focused on something else entirely.

Online backlash shifts focus to Portman

Public reaction online quickly moved away from ICE and toward Portman herself. Critics accused the actress of selective activism, arguing that her outspoken criticism of US authorities contrasts sharply with what they describe as her silence on Gaza and her past ties to ‘Israel’.

Many commenters questioned why Portman condemns state violence in the United States while, in their view, failing to apply the same moral standard to military actions against Palestinians. The criticism intensified as users drew connections between US policing practices and cooperation with ‘Israeli’ security forces.

Read more: Olivia Wilde slams ICE after Minneapolis shooting

"She’s an Israeli who supports the zio project. Enough said!" One user wrote on Instagram.

"Palestinians matter too, Natalie," another added. "Her rage is meaningless when it’s also not directed at the IOF, who train ICE." 

Accusations of double standards resurface

The backlash revived long-standing debates over Portman’s political positions. While she previously declined the Genesis Prize in 2018 to avoid appearing to endorse 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, critics argue those gestures no longer address the scale of the current crisis in Gaza.

Activists emphasized that human rights advocacy, they say, cannot be selective and must be consistent regardless of country or political context.

Silence amid growing criticism

As of Sunday evening, Portman had not publicly responded to the backlash. While the “ICE out” message continued to circulate during Sundance, the online conversation remained dominated by calls holding the actress accountable for what critics describe as selective moral outrage.