Holly Willoughby Subtly Backs Dawn French Amid Antisemitism Backlash
So, there’s been quite a storm brewing around beloved comedian Dawn French, and now Holly Willoughby has quietly waded into it, sparking even more conversation. Here’s what’s been going on, and honestly, it’s one of those moments that highlights just how sensitive and complicated the public space has become—especially around global conflicts and celebrity commentary.
It all started when Dawn French posted a video on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), where she addressed the Israel–Hamas conflict. In the video, French seemed to parody common arguments justifying Israel’s military response after the horrific October 7 Hamas attacks. She used a mocking tone to reference things like “they did a bad thing to us,” and “we want that land,” followed by a repeated, emphatic “No.” Many interpreted her message as a critique of the dehumanisation and violence in the region—but the tone hit a nerve.
Reactions were immediate and intense. Critics, including actress Tracy-Ann Oberman and broadcaster Piers Morgan, slammed French for appearing to downplay what was widely seen as one of the most brutal terror attacks in recent memory. Oberman, in particular, didn’t hold back. She expressed deep disappointment, saying that French’s tone felt like it was mocking the pain of victims and survivors of the October 7 attack, where over 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 taken hostage. She questioned how someone so revered could speak in a way that felt like denial of such a traumatic event.
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But then came Holly Willoughby. While she didn’t make a statement, her subtle Instagram “like” on French’s original post spoke volumes. It was quiet, but in the world of celebrity and social media, even a like can be interpreted as taking a stand. Many saw this as her aligning herself with French’s broader anti-war message, or at least defending her right to speak out on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
In response to the backlash, Dawn French clarified her position. She insisted she does not in any way condone the atrocities of October 7. Her message, she explained, was aimed at rejecting all violence—both the terror of the attacks and the devastating humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. Her closing line, “No is the answer to ALL of it,” was a plea for peace, not a dismissal of suffering.
This whole situation is a powerful reminder of how difficult it is to comment on deeply polarising issues, even with good intentions. When public figures step into the arena of international conflict, every word, every tone, every Instagram like becomes magnified. For Holly, it’s a rare political gesture, even if it was quiet. And for Dawn, it’s a tough lesson in the cost of nuance on a platform that often doesn’t allow for it.
These conversations are raw, emotional, and far from over. And maybe they shouldn’t be over just yet.
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