SHAH ALAM – Taylor Swift's fans, known as Swifties, have flooded social media platform X to demand that she break her silence on the situation in Gaza, Palestine.
Swifties have expressed their frustration with her silence following the latest bombing of Rafah, which claimed 45 lives and was described by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as an ‘accident’.
At press time, the hashtag #SwiftiesForPalestine has garnered over 105,000 posts.
Fans have posted photos of themselves holding signs saying "We demand Swift action!" and "Swifties For Palestine" at the singer's Eras Tour venues in Europe.
They have also circulated a letter on X, urging Swift to use her large platform to speak up in support of the Palestinian cause.
The letter read: "The international community, including many influential voices, has called for justice and peace, yet the agony still continues.
"Your influence transcends borders, and your words have the power to reach and activate an extensive audience, including people who are unaware of the severity of the genocide.
"Speaking out about the Palestinian genocide would not only be consistent with your history of advocating for the victims, but it could also encourage your millions of fans to learn and take action to help.
"Your smallest action could make a significant difference in amplifying these pleas for pressing for real change. Free Palestine."
The trending hashtag follows the online Blockout campaign, where social media users started blocking celebrities, including Swift, who had not spoken out about the war in Gaza.
Other celebrities, such as Dua Lipa, Bella Hadid and Ariana Grande have been vocal in their support for Palestine, calling for a ceasefire.
One fan on X, frustrated by the overwhelming inaction by authorities and people in power towards Palestine, quoted a video from Swift's life documentary. In the video, Swift stated that she always wanted to be on the right side of history.
The fan criticised Swift for not acting on Palestine, using the hashtag #SwiftiesForPalestine to highlight the perceived hypocrisy.
Another X user @ttpdCeoRai posted a comparison of Swift and Paramore, who is currently also on a world tour, where the latter was seen posting their support and aid for Gazans.
"We do not believe that our support for our Palestinian friends and family equals anti-Semitism. We love our Jewish friends and family and pray for the safe return of the remaining hostages.
"That being said, we simply cannot support a genocide. We stand in solidarity with those calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire,” the post read.