5 celebrities who stood up for Muslims in 2017

Following the travel ban and unreasonable accusation, many celebs protested against unfair treatment towards Muslims

2017 has been a rough year for Muslims worldwide, especially after the travel ban imposed by Donald Trump. This left a lot of people feeling homeless and away from family as many were stuck at airports and barred from entering the US.

Terrorist attacks in different parts of the world targeted at civilians were also blamed on Muslims. Following the travel ban and unreasonable accusations on Muslims, many celebrities used their star power to protest against the unfair treatment towards Muslims. Compiled from Mvslim Inspires, here are five celebrities who spoke out.

1. Simon Helberg and Jocelyn Towne

PHOTO: JUST JARED

The Big Bang Theory actor, Simon along with his wife Jocelyn used their red carpet appearance at the SAG Awards as a mark of protest against the travel ban, reported Daily Mail. Jocelyn donned a white strapless gown which left enough room to bare the message, “Let them in,” written on her chest. Simon also held a sign while getting photographed at the red carpet that read “Refugees welcome.”

2. Ashton Kutcher

PHOTO: ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

Kicking off the SAG awards, even Ashton Kutcher used the stage to make a powerful speech opposing the travel ban. According to The Hollywood Reporter, he welcomed the guests and the viewers of the show and then went on to greet immigrants at airports that belong in “his” America.

Before he continued with the rest of the award ceremony, Ashton also addressed the Muslims and immigrants stating, “You are a part of the fabric of who we are and we love you and we welcome you.



3. Rihanna

PHOTO: REFINERY 29

Rihanna also responded to the Muslim travel ban imposed by the US president. “Disgusted! This news is devastating! America is being ruined right before our eyes!” wrote the 29-year-old singer. She also lashed out at Trump for implementing such policies.

As reported by VH1, her tweets also received a negative reaction from another singer, Azealia Banks. Azealia tweeted, “Is she even American? Can she even vote? We started a war we have to finish or else it will finish us. Trump is simply finishing the job, not because he wants to but because he has to.” The Umbrella singer then snapped back at Azealia with an Instagram post however Azealia’s accounts were suspended for making racially insensitive statements.

4. Michael Moore

PHOTO: BUSINESS INSIDER

The 63-year-old film-maker also voiced his opinion on the travel ban and apologised to the Muslims for Trump’s behaviour. He tweeted, “To our Muslim neighbours in the world: I and tens of millions of others are so very sorry.

The majority of Americans did not vote for this man.” The director also addressed a letter to the US president that he posted on his website recalling his first meeting with Trump years ago. Towards the end of the letter, Michael wrote, “You’re not so tough. I’m glad I got to see the real you up close and personal all those years ago. We are all Muslim. Deal with it.” He also protested in front of the Trump Tower with a sign that read the same.



5. Gigi Hadid

PHOTO: FACEBOOK/GIGIHADID

Supermodel Gigi Hadid also shut down an Islamophobic tweet made by investigative journalist Laura Loomer. Following the attack in New York City late last year, Laura commented on the aftermath by sharing an image of women wearing hijabs and wrote, “Muslims are out in full force at the scene of the NYC #ISIS attack today rubbing it in everyone’s face. Aimlessly walking around in hijabs.”

Gigi snapped back at the journalist for making insensitive and unreasonable comments.

In world where one society bullies the other and people are being targeted based on their race or religion, it comes as a sigh of relief that such celebrities are using their platform to raise a voice.

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