Demi Lovato called out for praising Israel after being baptised there

2 October 2019, 15:18

By Sam Prance

Demi Lovato turned off her Instagram comments after receiving backlash for ignoring Palestine.

Demi Lovato is being criticised for calling Israel "magical", after revealing on Instagram that she was baptised there in a post about her religion and her Jewish ancestry.

Demi Lovato is having an incredible 2019 so far. The 27-year-old is currently hard at work on new music and recently signed a new management deal with the mogul behind Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber: Scooter Braun. She's also received huge praise for sharing unedited bikini photos on Instagram and encouraging her fans to embrace their cellulite. If that weren't enough, Demi also ended her longterm "feud" with former, close friend, Taylor Swift, via a social media exchange.

READ MORE: Demi Lovato shares unedited 'thirst trap' picture to spread body positivity

However, Demi is now facing controversy for praising Israel while the Free Palestine Movement is ongoing.

Taking to Instagram last night (Oct 1), Demi opened up about why she decided to be baptized in Israel. She wrote: "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."

Demi then went on to explain: "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." She ended the post writing: "Thank you for having me, Israel".

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

Moments after Demi published the post, fans began to call her out in the comments for sharing such a positive endorsement of Israel. According to Amnesty International UK, the Israeli government has enforced several policies against Palestine that have resulted in thousands of Palestinians' homes being destroyed, their land stolen and their rights to live, work and move freely denied. Israel also imposed an illegal blockade on the Gaza Strip since 2007, subjecting approximately 2 million inhabitants to collective punishment and exacerbating a humanitarian crisis. Israel maintains that the blockade is necessary for security reasons.

In response to the backlash, Demi has turned off her Instagram comments and people are condemning her for it. One person tweeted: "Demi Lovato praising Israel is disgusting and wrong. She knows exactly what is going on in Palestine, hundreds of people are being killed everyday, women and children are getting raped by Israelis soldiers and yet you’re telling me to not make a big deal out of it?"

Here are just a few of the tweets calling Demi out.

As it stands, Demi is yet to address the backlash. We shall update you if she does.

What do you think of Demi Lovato's post?