Pro-Palestinian Mia Khalifa's Social Media Interrupted by Ad Backing Israel

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Pro-Palestinian influencer and media personality Mia Khalifa appears to have had her social media feed interrupted by an ad backing Israel.

In a screenshot taken by Newsweek showing Khalifa's X, formerly Twitter, account, an ad from the account @Debunked_101 can be seen with a caption that says, "An ideology that excuses rape is truly evil; Don't stay silent!"

The ad is a video of actors portraying Hamas militants taking Israeli civilians hostage as they walk through the streets of a city. Other actors in the background can be seen holding up signs portraying missing persons in Israel.

Mia Khalifa pro-israel ad twitter x
An ad on Mia Khalifa's X page criticized people for ignoring women who were raped after being kidnapped by Hamas. Newsweek

The ads on different X accounts appear to change often and some are based on user activity, the social media site's help center says.

While the ads may change on Khalifa's X account, the specific one showing support for Israel runs contrary to many of the statements she has made since the war between Hamas and Israel Defense Forces (IDF) began on October 7, when Hamas militants led a surprise attack on Israel.

At least 1,200 Israeli casualties have been reported in the fighting, according to the Associated Press, which also said that the Gaza Health Ministry, which is run by Hamas, has claimed that more than 15,000 Palestinians have died since October 7.

Khalifa has shown support for Palestinians and has continued to criticize Israel.

Responding to videos of Hamas militants fighting in Israel, Khalifa called them "freedom fighters in Palestine," prompting many to criticize the former adult-film star.

"I just want to make it clear that this statement in no way shape or form is [inciting] spread of violence...I specifically said freedom fighters because that's what the Palestinian citizens are... fighting for freedom every day," Khalifa said in a post responding to her original comment.

Mia Khalifa
Mia Khalifa during Paris Fashion Week on June 21, 2023, in Paris, France. On December 4, 2023, an ad supporting Israel popped up on Khalifa's X timeline. Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Following her comments, Playboy announced that it was cutting ties with Khalifa.

"Playboy has always been a champion of free speech...Your recent statements celebrating Hamas' attacks on innocent men, women and children in Israel, including rape, mutilation, killing and torture, are disgusting and reprehensible. Consequently, we are hereby permanently terminating you from the Playboy creator platform and ending all other business dealings we may have with you," the letter sent to Newsweek said.

"We want to be very clear: we respect your right to free speech. We also expect that you understand that how you use your speech has consequences. Today, we are calling you out on your hate-mongering and severing all ties with you. We will also be letting our creator community know of our decision."

Newsweek reached out to Khalifa via email for further comment.

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About the writer

Matthew Impelli is a Newsweek staff writer based in New York. His focus is reporting social issues and crime. In January 2023, Matthew traveled to Moscow, Idaho where he reported on the quadruple murders and arrest of Bryan Kohberger. Matthew joined Newsweek in 2019 after graduating from Syracuse University. He also received his master's degree from St. John's University in 2021. You can get in touch with Matthew by emailing m.impelli@newsweek.com. Languages: English.


Matthew Impelli is a Newsweek staff writer based in New York. His focus is reporting social issues and crime. In ... Read more