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Sophie Turner has faced backlash for posting about climate change amid the ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Gaza.
The Game of Thrones actress posted a video to her Instagram, encouraging people to sign up to the 'Positive Power' campaign. Spearheaded by Australian billionaire mining magnate, Andrew Forrest, the Positive Power initiative is a "product of ambitious thinking from climate scientists, policy specialists and business leaders." It is a call to action for policymakers to adhere to its seven-point plan, according to its website. Turner described herself as a "Positive Power Partner" in the Instagram post.
Israel began an unrelenting retaliatory airstrike and ground offensive in Gaza following a surprise military attack by military group, Hamas, on October 7 that led to the death of more than 1,200 people in the country, according to the Associated Press. The group also kidnapped more than 240 people, keeping them hostage in Gaza. Since Israel began its military offensive in Gaza, more than 11,000 people have been killed there, with children representing 40 percent of the death toll, according to Reuters.
"It's time we all spread the word and push for a Positive Power Plan. The time to transition to clean energy is now. When we speak out together, we can accelerate Positive Power. Check out the link in my bio to learn more," Turner captioned the post.
However, a number of people slammed the actress in the comments, saying it was not the right time to speak about climate change amid the ongoing war in the Middle East. Newsweek contacted Turner's representative by email for comment on her Instagram statement.
"Read the room Sophie," wrote one person. Another added: "Sounds good but are we just going to ignore the genocide happening in Palestine?"
A third wrote: "Please spread the word of what is happening in Gaza! If it's climate change you care about the weapons and bombs used are extremely catastrophic to it."
Other defended the actress, saying that it was still important to speak about other issues.
"The comments here are just not it. While what's happening in Israel and Palestine is awful and should be talked about, there is absolutely no harm in reminding people of the climate crisis," commented one person.
And a second wrote: "How did I know there was going to be hundreds of comments on how she could have posted about Palestine instead."
Turner, who is going through a divorce from pop-star husband, Joe Jonas, disabled comments on the post, but Newsweek has obtained screenshots.
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About the writer
Shannon Power is a Greek-Australian reporter, but now calls London home. They have worked as across three continents in print, ... Read more