Which Indian Celebs Are Named In 'Blockout' List Amid Gaza War Silence?

Alia Bhatt has been recently gaining global recognition with her stunning appearances at major events, including the Met Gala 2024. However, this wave of attention has hit a roadblock as her name appears on the Blockout 2024 list, which also includes other global personalities like Priyanka Chopra and Taylor Swift.

Why is Alia Bhatt on the blockout list?

Alia Bhatt's inclusion on the blockout list stems from her alleged silence on the situation in Gaza. This controversy arose after her much-talked-about appearance at the Met Gala on May 6, where she dazzled in a saree designed by Sabyasachi. She then attended the Gucci Cruise Show 2025 in London on May 13, further cementing her international presence.

Critics have accused Alia of being complicit due to her inaction and failure to address the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. Her silence on this critical issue has led to accusations that she is not using her platform to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis.

Other Celebrities on the Blockout List

The Blockout 2024 list doesn't just feature Alia Bhatt. Other prominent figures have also been targeted, including Virat Kohli, Priyanka Chopra, Kim Kardashian, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Kylie Jenner, Zendaya, Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, Kanye West, Katy Perry, Zac Efron, Nick Jonas, Kevin Jonas, Justin Timberlake, and many others.

How Does the Blockout Work?

On social media platforms, users typically see content from people they follow as well as suggestions from algorithms. In both cases, users have the option to mute or block certain accounts. When users block the accounts of celebrities or influencers, they no longer see any content produced by those accounts—no posts, photos, videos, or sponsored collaborations. 

The idea behind blocking is to reduce the number of people interacting with the celebrity's content, which ultimately affects their views, engagement, and income. By decreasing attention and interaction with their content, the blockout aims to impact the earnings and visibility of these celebrities and influencers.

Who Is Being Blocked?

There isn't a centralised list of celebrities being blocked; rather, the decision is up to individual social media users. Some users suggest certain celebrities to block, while others make their own choices. The blockout includes celebrities and influencers from the US and beyond. Each user must block every celebrity, influencer, or content creator individually on each social media platform. 

Notably, actor Alia Bhatt's name was added to the list after her appearances at various premiere events, indicating that even recent public appearances can influence who gets blocked.

How Did the Blockout Start?

The blockout began amidst growing protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, with significant activity on college campuses across the US. Attention to celebrities and influencers' responses—or lack thereof—gained traction following the Met Gala. Known for its extravagant red carpet and elaborate outfits, the gala saw a significant presence of protesters this year. 

Images from the event flooded social media simultaneously with photos from Israel’s military operation in Rafah, Gaza. This stark contrast between the opulence of the Met Gala and the dire situation in Gaza sparked outrage. Users criticised celebrities for not using their platforms to address the suffering, thus initiating the blockout movement.

Will It Be Effective?

The effectiveness of the blockout is still uncertain, according to Beth Fossen, an assistant professor of marketing at Indiana University. The impact may vary depending on the celebrity and their brand. Celebrities known for humanitarian work might face more significant consequences if they remain silent on important issues, whereas those primarily famous for their talent might be less affected. "If your identity is really tied to promoting something that is key to the boycott, then this could potentially have really serious consequences for you," Fossen explained. Influencers who have built their brand around promoting peace but stay silent on this issue might find their followers less forgiving.

Is There a Backlash to the Blockout?

The blockout has faced criticism from some quarters. Critics argue that focusing on celebrities diverts attention from the actual events happening on the ground in Gaza. Others question the criteria for deciding who should be blocked and what constitutes sufficient action or speech from a well-known person. The ambiguity in these parameters has led to debates about the fairness and effectiveness of the blockout.