Gal Gadot, star of Wonder Woman, stated that during the early days of COVID-19, she realized why her star-studded video on John Lennon's classic was inappropriate.
In 2020, Gal Gadot released her star-studded version of John Lennon's "Imagine," in which Amy Adams, Zo Kravitz, James Marsden, Mark Ruffalo, and other celebrities made cameo appearances. However, she is currently reevaluating her actions.
In the February issue of InStyle, Gadot was exemplified. She discusses her thoughts, her criticism of the video, and how that experience changed her in the accompanying interview with InStyle.
Despite Gadot's expectation that "Imagine" would cheer her audience during the COVID-19 lockdown, the video went viral and received criticism. It was dubbed "Peak cringed" by NBC News. It was described as "an inconsequential and profoundly unreasonable act" by the New York Times. Additionally, numerous social media users proposed that celebrities appear in videos to assist those in need during pandemics through charity, donations, or other means.
Gadot explained in her interview with InStyle why her video did not resonate with the general public.
She stated, "Before the US, the pandemic first entered Israel and Europe." I understand where they were coming from. The video quickly went viral; It was too soon. It came at the wrong time. Additionally, it was wrong. It didn't go over well.
Additionally, the actor made fun of her video last fall when she made an appearance at Elle's 2021 Women in Hollywood Gala. In October 2021, the show's footage was made available. The actor was seen jokingly humming along to her video, which made her fans laugh. This demonstrates that the celebrity is still focused on the video.
She added in the future, "The video felt right. My motives were sincere. However, there are times when you disagree with everyone. Right? It was a good chance to learn, and all you need is a breath of fresh air. I just took it as a positive.
Gadot also discusses her upcoming projects with InStyle, including "Wonder Woman 3" and the most anticipated Cleopatra Biopic. Throughout history, numerous biopics have been made about Cleopatra's life. The 1963 biopic starring Elizabeth Taylor is the most well-known.
She stated to InStyle about the Queen of the Nile biopic that this film is appropriate for contemporary audiences.
The movie will show how beautiful and sexy she is. In addition, it will demonstrate her strategic and intelligent skills to you. She explained, "How she influenced her world, and how the influence is still present in the world we live in." The Wonder Woman actress continued, "I think we are telling the story that is needed for the world. I have watched all of the stories that have been made on Cleopatra so far."
The Criticism: Tone Deaf and Privileged
The backlash largely stemmed from the perception that celebrities, most of whom were seen living in comfort and luxury during the pandemic, were offering a simplistic solution to complex problems. Many viewed the video as an example of tone-deaf privilege, suggesting that celebrities were disconnected from the real struggles faced by the average person—such as job losses, financial instability, and health concerns. Critics pointed out that singing "Imagine no possessions" felt particularly inappropriate coming from people who were far removed from the harsh realities most people were grappling with at that time.
Commentators on social media, as well as various media outlets, criticized the video for lacking substance and for seeming patronizing. Many questioned how a song like "Imagine," a call for world peace and unity, could help address the very tangible crises brought on by the pandemic. This disconnect only fueled more outrage, as many felt the video trivialized the suffering of those who were genuinely struggling.
Gal Gadot’s Response
Fast forward to 2023, Gal Gadot has revisited the controversy, admitting that the video was a misstep. In a recent interview, she acknowledged that the decision to release the video was made hastily and that the outcome didn’t align with what she had initially intended. Gadot explained that the motivation behind the project was to spread positivity and hope, but she now recognizes that the execution came off as inappropriate given the global circumstances at the time.
Gadot’s statement marks a shift in her perspective on the infamous cover. She openly expressed regret, saying, "It was in poor taste," and that, in retrospect, she understands why people found the video insensitive. Her reflection on the incident shows a level of self-awareness and growth, as she admitted that her approach to addressing the crisis lacked the necessary depth and empathy required for such a delicate situation.
The Original Intention
In her defense, Gadot revealed that the video was born out of a place of vulnerability. Like many others, she was feeling overwhelmed by the uncertainty of the pandemic, and to spread some semblance of comfort and unity, she quickly organized the celebrity-studded cover of "Imagine." She reached out to her friends and fellow stars, asking them to participate, hoping that their collective voices could bring people together in a time of fear and isolation.
Gadot explained that she had good intentions, but the execution did not translate in the way she had hoped. Her attempt to use music as a universal language to connect people during a crisis inadvertently struck a wrong chord, further highlighting the gap between celebrities and everyday people during an unprecedented global event.
