Ariana Grande and Noah Schnapp photo at Critics Choice Awards prompts backlash

Photo of Ariana Grande and Noah Schnapp at Critics Choice Awards sparked online debate over political stance

A photograph of Ariana Grande and Noah Schnapp together at the 31st annual Critics Choice Awards has prompted online backlash, with fans debating the political implications of the interaction.

Grande attended the ceremony as a nominee for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Wicked: For Good, while Schnapp appeared as a presenter following the conclusion of his role as Will Byers in Netflix’s Stranger Things. A photo of the two posing together was shared by Schnapp on Instagram and later circulated widely on social media.

While celebrity crossovers at awards events are typically met with enthusiasm, this image drew criticism from some fans who viewed the pairing through a political lens. Grande has previously been vocal in her support for Palestinian causes, while Schnapp has faced criticism in the past for content perceived as pro-Israel or supportive of Zionism.

Schnapp became the subject of online controversy earlier in the Israel-Gaza conflict after appearing in social media content referencing pro-Israel slogans.

He later addressed the criticism in a public video, stating that his views had been misinterpreted and that his position was focused on peace and safety for innocent people affected by violence. He said his intention was to advocate for understanding and compassion rather than division.

The renewed attention following the Critics Choice Awards photo led to strong reactions online. One user wrote, “Ariana, baby, what are you doing with this Zionist?” Another commented, “Willing to take a photo with raging zionist.” A third added, “I fear Ariana Grande needs to be held accountable for taking pictures with a known Zionist.”