Demi Lovato apologises after backlash to Israel trip

3 October 2019, 14:04

By Nicky Idika

"I’m sorry if I’ve hurt or offended anyone, that was not my intention." Demi Lovato apologises after fans call her out over a recent trip to Israel.

Demi Lovato has faced criticism this week after publishing photos and a lengthy caption on Instagram about her recent trip to Israel. The singer was baptised during the visit and said the experience left her feeling "renewed". But Demi faced backlash from fans, who urged her to consider the Free Palestine Movement. She later disabled comments on the posts.

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In her original Instagram caption, Demi said: "there is something absolutely magical about Israel. I’ve never felt such a sense of spirituality or connection to God…something I’ve been missing for a few years now."

View this post on Instagram

I am an American singer. I was raised Christian and have Jewish ancestors. When I was offered an amazing opportunity to visit the places I’d read about in the Bible growing up, I said yes. There is something absolutely magical about Israel.  I’ve never felt such a sense of spirituality or connection to God…something I’ve been missing for a few years now.  Spirituality is so important to me…to be baptized in the Jordan river – the same place Jesus was baptized – I’ve never felt more renewed in my life. This trip has been so important for my well-being, my heart, and my soul.  I’m grateful for the memories made and the opportunity to be able to fill the God-sized hole in my heart. Thank you for having me, Israel 💗

A post shared by Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) on Oct 1, 2019 at 2:48pm PDT

Taking to Instagram Stories, Demi apologised if she hurt anyone by promoting Israel.

"I accepted a free trip to Israel in exchange for a few posts," she wrote. "No one told me there would be anything wrong with going or that I could possibly be offending anyone. With that being said, I’m sorry if I’ve hurt or offended anyone, that was not my intention."

Demi also said, "this was meant to be a spiritual experience for me, NOT A POLITICAL STATEMENT".

She continued: "Now I realize it hurt people and for that I'm sorry." The singer also apologised for "not being more educated" on the issue.

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Amnesty International has called the current situation a "humanitarian crisis" and say that, since Israel's 2007 blockade on the Gaza strip, approximately 2 million people have been evicted, displaced, and subjected to "collective punishment".

Other celebrities have faced similar scrutiny for trips or planned engagements in Israel. Last year, both Lorde and Lana Del Rey cancelled shows in Israel after fans urged them to consider the ongoing crisis.