Gal Gadot Reflects On The Controversial ‘Imagine’ Video

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Gal Gadot opened up about the viral but controversial Instagram video. The video was posted in the early days of quarantine in March and it was subject to a lot of criticism.

The viral video received criticism for being patronizing in a time when millions of people were dealing with hard times. Especially with the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, it was more hard for people.

The actress opened up and said that sometimes when one tries to do a good deed and it turns out to not be the right good deed. She said, “I had nothing but good intentions and it came from the best place, and I just wanted to send light and love to the world.”

For those of you who don’t remember, the video consisted of a mini version of Gal talk where she was pouring philosophies. The actress then launched into the cover of Imagine. She was also joined by numerous celebrities like Kristen Wiig and Will Ferell. It also included musicians like Nora Jones and Sia.

The actress had posted it on her Instagram which has garnered 10 million views. She wrote, “We are in this together, we will get through it together. Let’s imagine together. Sing with us All love to you, from me and my dear friends.”

However, none of them thought about how early all of us were in the early days of quarantine. At that point when people were feeling extremely scared and worried, the voices of celebrities did not help. Gal recalled that she started with her few friends and spoke to Kristen.

Gal Receiving Backlash For Being Cast As Cleopatra

The actress said Kristen is like the mayor of Hollywood and everyone loves her. She shared that Kristen brought a bunch of people to the “game”. The Wonder Woman alum continued, “But yeah, I started it, and I can only say that I meant to do something good and pure, and it didn’t transcend.”

The actress has also received a lot of criticism recently as she was cast as Cleopatra. Some people think it is culturally insensitive. The actress announced on October 12 about her reuniting with her Wonder Woman director, Patty Jenkins. Gal said they were teaming up again to bring the story Of Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt. She added that they will bring the character to life like she’s never been seen before. The actress shared, “To tell her story for the first time through women’s eyes, both behind and in front of the camera.”

People think it is insensitive because Gal was born and raised in Israel meanwhile, Cleopatra was an Egyptian ruler. They think her casting is the latest addition in Hollywood of white-washing. However, as some people were upset, some were in support of the choice. They cited Cleopatra’s Greek/Macedonian ancestry and Gal’s minority identity.

The actress has yet to comment on her casting and the criticism that she has been receiving. The news about casting Gal broke after her Vanity Fair interview which refrained her from actually commenting on the topic.

Gal has been pretty unapologetic about whatever she does and how it translates in Hollywood. She said, “Sometimes it can get me in trouble. There is something that I’ve learned to say, which is, ‘I don’t disagree with you, but’—so basically I’m disagreeing with you. So I adapted. I just came to the conclusion: I do me, you do you. I’d rather have you not liking me at this moment than not saying my truth.”