Channing Tatum faces backlash for avoiding Palestine question

• Channing Tatum declined to answer a question about Palestine at the Berlin Film Festival, drawing online criticism and reigniting debate over political discourse at cultural events.

American actor Channing Tatum declined to answer a question about Palestine during a press conference at the Berlin International Film Festival, prompting criticism online and renewed debate about political discourse at cultural events.

The exchange took place during a public press event where Tatum was promoting his latest project and taking questions from reporters about his work and broader industry issues. A journalist asked whether he would sign an open letter criticizing the festival’s stance on Gaza and expressing solidarity with Palestinians.

Appearing uncomfortable, Tatum looked around before saying he “didn’t know what’s happening exactly.” He then shook his head and did not provide a clear answer. The moderator quickly moved on to another question, cutting off further discussion of the issue.

The journalist who posed the question, identified as Kira Muller, was reportedly shouted at by a German critic in the room before the moderator redirected the conversation.

The moment sparked swift reaction on social media, with some users questioning why the actor did not engage more directly with the question and why the moderator did not allow it to be pursued further.

Ask him about protests in Iran and I am sure he will give make a 10 minute speech about it, since bashing the Iran regime is consensual and even recommended.

— parisie (@f__kElon) February 20, 2026

What a coward.

— إبراهيم العمار (@i_alammar) February 21, 2026

Shame on you @channingtatum! It’s called humanity - plain, simple humanity and to be on the right side of history and be against the slaughter of innocents!!!!!!

— Humayun Hussain (@humayunhussain) February 20, 2026

Tatum has not issued a public statement addressing the incident or elaborating on his response.