Stranger Things actor Noah Schnapp has released a TikTok video clarifying his stance on the Isreal-Hamas conflict after facing significant online backlash for being filmed sporting stickers that read “Hamas is ISIS” and “Zionism is sexy”. Schanpp claims his thoughts have been “so far misconstrued”.
In a clip recently shared on TikTok, Schnapp emphasised he was talking “from my heart” about his thoughts and beliefs. “I only want peace and safety and security for all innocent people affected by this conflict,” he said.
He continued: “I’ve had many open discussions with friends from [a] Palestinian background, and I think those are very important conversations to have, and I’ve learned a lot.”
In the video, which at the time of writing had 6million views, he also said: “One of the takeaways I’ve had is that we all hope for the same things, that being those innocent people still being held hostage in Gaza to be returned to their families, and equally hope for an end to the loss of innocent life in Palestine – so many of those people being women and children, and it’s horrible to see.”
The remarks come after a previous now deleted post he shared on Instagram shortly after Hamas’ October 7th attack on Israel.
In the post, Schnapp said: “As a Jewish American, I am afraid. Afraid for my brothers and sisters in Israel, who have been senselessly attacked by Hamas. I am truly heartbroken to see the brutal murders of innocent children, women and soldiers fighting to defend themselves. I, like others, want peace for both Palestinians and Israelis. Let’s stop the rhetoric and choosing sides. Instead, we must recognize that we are all on the side of the fight against terrorism. Choose humanity over violence.”
The social media backlash increased when a clip emerged of him wearing “Zionism is sexy” stickers, with some Stranger Things fans calling for a boycott of the fifth season, which is currently in production.