Noah Schnapp’s “Apology was not forced”- Stranger Things Star’s Recent Statement on Israel-Hamas Conflict
Stranger Things star Noah Schnapp has come forward to address the backlash he received online for comments about the Israel-Hamas conflict. The 19-year-old actor had previously faced criticism in November 2023 after being seen handing out “Zionism is sexy” stickers and making what were deemed insensitive remarks regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. A lot of other celebrities were churned into the ongoing conflict while taking stands and making comments about the controversy. Schnapp being a relatively new actor in the industry had to take his words back, while a lot of others just chose not to speak.
Was Noah Schnapp’s apology statement forced by Stranger Things producers?
According to an insider who spoke with Daily Mail, Schnapp “wanted to set the story straight” after receiving threats online over his past comments. The source clarified that neither the show’s producers nor Netflix pressured Schnapp into releasing an apology statement.
“There was zero pressure from the show’s cast or producers. His latest apology wasn’t anything forced on him from castmates, the show or producers, or even Netflix,” the insider stated.
They reiterated that while people close to Noah Schnapp discussed the issue with him, there was no explicit demand made for any specific video or statement.
In his recent TikTok video, Schnapp said: “I feel like my thoughts and beliefs have been so far misconstrued from anything even close to what I believe, and I wanted to just state from my heart how I feel…I only want peace and safety and security for all innocent people affected by this conflict.”
What else did Noah Schnapp say about the Israel-Hamas conflict?
Schnapp went on to share that he has had open discussions with friends of Palestinian background and believes those conversations are important to have.
“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,” he said.
The actor concluded by stating: “I stand against any killing of any innocent people and I hope you guys all do, too. And I just hope to one day see those two groups be able to live harmoniously together in that region.”
The controversy emerged in January 2024 after a video clip showed Schnapp handing out pro-Israel stickers and making remarks seen as insensitive amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Some fans subsequently called for a boycott of Stranger Things or for Schnapp’s firing from the show’s upcoming fifth season.
Schnapp’s recent TikTok video seems aimed at clarifying his stance and reassuring fans that he wants peace for all involved in the long-running regional dispute. While the actor faced criticism, his spokesperson says the apology was his own choice rather than a forced response to public pressure.
This is not the first time Schnapp has dealt with backlash for controversial online behavior. In 2022, singer Doja Cat slammed him for posting screenshots of private messages in which she asked about his Stranger Things co-star Joseph Quinn. Schnapp later apologized and called it a learning experience.
With Stranger Things set to end after its fifth season, Schnapp appears eager to avoid further controversies as he looks ahead to life after the hit Netflix series. His latest statement aims to convey his desire for empathy and understanding regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict.
