Michael Cambridge
As violence continues to escalate in Gaza, Kehlani has taken to Instagram to express her frustration with the music industry for its silence on the issue. In a powerful video posted on Monday, the “Distraction” singer addressed her “highly f–ing platformed” peers, criticizing them for not speaking out about the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Kehlani passionately stated, “Nothing we do has a f–ing purpose without people and you can’t turn the f– around and reach back for people? You can’t speak? Disgusting.”
Kehlani’s message is a heartfelt plea for humanity and solidarity. She emphasized that she has lost “any ounce of f–ing respect” for those who have chosen to remain silent, pointing out that the current crisis will be a significant part of history. “This is going to be in history books. … This is going to be something that is referenced for the rest of f–ing forever,” she asserted. Her frustration culminated in a blunt conclusion: “F– a lot of y’all too.”
In her Instagram caption, Kehlani elaborated on her thoughts and emotions, revealing the deep impact the ongoing violence has had on her mental state. She wrote, “I don’t got it no more I just don’t I tried hella ways to cope & it doesn’t exist and that’s okay, nobody should know how to cope right now. I tried to drop some music & get my mind back right, my focus back & the rage is just EXTREMELY prevalent. this sh- is f–ing me up BEEN f–ing me up it should be f–ing a lot of yall up but apparently it’s not???? what’s good yall???”
Kehlani’s post underscores the importance of recognizing the human impact of the conflict. She reminded her peers that their success is built on the support of people. “We don’t sell out shows without A CROWD FULL OF PEOPLE. The songs don’t chart without PEOPLE. The trends don’t trend without PEOPLE. You don’t draw a line at beheaded babies or people burnt alive after 7 months of plenty of other atrocities? idc about the roll out the formula the strategy the algorithm at this point I’m begging U TO BE PEOPLE. BE A F–IN HUMAN BEING,” she implored.
Kehlani’s call to action came a day after Israel launched a missile attack on Rafah, hitting an encampment of displaced Palestinians in the Tal As-Sultan area. The attack, which Israel had reportedly set as a “safe zone,” resulted in the deaths of dozens and wounded at least 249 people, many of whom were civilians, including women and children. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the civilians were “unintentionally” hit. This tragic event occurred shortly after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to halt its Rafah military offensive. Since October, Israel’s ongoing attack on the Gaza Strip has killed over 35,000 people, with more than 80,200 Palestinians injured, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
The Israel-Hamas war began on October 7 when Hamas launched an attack on Israel, killing an estimated 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages. According to The Associated Press, about half of the hostages have since been freed.
Kehlani’s message is a stark reminder of the power of celebrity influence and the responsibility that comes with it. As the crisis in Gaza continues, her plea for empathy and action resonates as a call for her peers—and all of us—to recognize our shared humanity and speak out against injustice.
For those interested, Kehlani’s full message can be viewed on her Instagram profile.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings