Rosalía Addresses Backlash Over Palestine Silence: ‘Shaming Each Other Is Not the Best Way’

Rosalía has become the latest public figure to face pressure regarding the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. On Wednesday (July 30), the superstar published an Instagram Story expressing her sentiment over the escalating situation in Palestine while responding to her critics.

The spotlight on her intensified after Spanish fashion designer Miguel Adrover cited her “silence” as the reason he refused to collaborate with the artist on a custom project.

“I have followed with great sadness what has been said in recent days […] The fact that I have not used my platform in line with other people’s style or expectations does not mean that I do not condemn what is happening in Palestine,” the singer wrote.

She also condemned the violence in the region, noting, “It is terrible to see innocent people being killed day after day, and those who should stop this are not doing so.” However, Rosalía took issue with the “shaming” she has faced, suggesting that condemnation between individuals is not as productive as holding decision-makers accountable.

“I do not see how shaming each other is the best way to move forward in the fight for Palestinian freedom,” she said, arguing that “the finger should be pointed upwards (towards those who make decisions and have the power to act) and not horizontally (between us).”

Rosalía also acknowledged her own imperfections and contradictions: “In today’s world, we all live in constant contradiction, myself included,” she added, before expressing her respect for those actively working to make a difference, including NGOs, activists, journalists and volunteers.

Her remarks come after Miguel Adrover publicly refused to design for the MOTOMAMI singer. The designer, known for his political outspokenness, took to Instagram on Tuesday (July 29) to reveal that he had turned down a request for a custom-made dress for Rosalía.

“Doing ‘The Right Thing’… Silence is complicity, and even more so when you have a big loudspeaker where millions of people listen to you when you sing,” Adrover wrote in the caption. “That’s why you have the responsibility to use this power to denounce this genocide.”

In the third slide of that post, Adrover shared a screenshot of an email exchange with Rosalía’s team regarding the collaboration. “I’m sorry, but Miguel doesn’t work with any artist who doesn’t publicly support Palestine,” the reply read.

Addressing the Spanish artist directly, Adrover further added in the caption, “Rosalía, this is nothing personal. I admire you for all your talent and for everything you’ve achieved […] Now we have to do “The Right Thing.” 

Though Rosalía had previously avoided extensive public commentary, fans noted that she had shared an Instagram Story in October 2023 to raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.