Beirut, Lebanon – Disney’s live-action film “Snow White” has been barred from showing in movie theaters in Lebanon due to the involvement of Israeli actress Gal Gadot, who portrays the character of the Evil Queen.
The ban was announced by Lebanon’s Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar following a directive from the country’s film and media regulatory body amid the ongoing conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, resulting in civilian casualties.
Italia Films, a distributor based in Beirut handling Disney movies in the region, stated that Gadot has been on Lebanon’s Israel boycott list for a long time, and no film featuring her has been released in the country before. Representatives for Gadot have not yet responded to requests for comment from Italia Films.
Contrary to some reports, “Snow White” has not been forbidden in Kuwait, as confirmed by the Italia Films representative.
Gal Gadot, an Israeli-born actress with a background in the Israel Defense Forces, has been a vocal supporter of her country, particularly following the recent attacks by Hamas on October 7. In a passionate speech at the Anti-Defamation League’s annual summit in New York City on March 4, she expressed her disbelief at the lack of condemnation of Hamas and the celebration of violence against Jews in various parts of the world.
Lebanese authorities previously prohibited Marvel’s “Captain America: Brave New World” from being screened roughly two months ago due to the presence of Israeli actress Shira Haas in the film. The decision to ban “Snow White” in Lebanon is another instance of the country taking a stance against Israeli talent in the entertainment industry.