The pop star and soon-to-be Glastonbury headliner Dua Lipa has said she is willing to risk a backlash over political statements after she recently described military operations in Gaza as “Israeli genocide”.
In an interview with the Radio Times, the 28-year-old said she repeatedly checked herself before making a statement, but did so if she felt it was for the “greater good” and worth the risk.
The Grammy award-winner last month reposted to her 88 million Instagram followers a graphic from the group Artists4Ceasefire, along with the hashtag #AllEyesOnRafah, which trended in the days after Israel’s bombing of the city in Gaza.
She wrote: “Burning children alive can never be justified. The whole world is mobilising to stop the Israeli genocide. Please show your solidarity with Gaza.”
Recently, she was referenced in an Israeli drill rap song that called for violence against public figures who have expressed pro-Palestinian views.
Lipa told the Radio Times: “When I speak about things that are political, I double-, triple-check myself to be: ‘OK, this is about something that is way bigger than me, and it’s necessary – and that’s the only reason I’m posting it.’ That is my only solace in doing that.
“It’s always going to be met with a backlash and other people’s opinions, so it’s a big decision. I balance it out, because ultimately I feel it’s for the greater good, so I’m willing to [take that hit].”
Lipa, who was born in London to Kosovan-Albanian parents, suggested her heritage influenced her overt politics.
“[Speaking up is] a natural inclination for me, given my background and heritage, and that my very existence is somewhat political – it’s not something that is out of the ordinary for me to be feeling close to,” she said.
In the same interview, Lipa revealed she continued to support Labour and suggested she would vote for the party in the forthcoming UK elections, but stopped short of backing Keir Starmer personally.
She said: “For me, over the past three or four years, I’ve kind of decided that standing behind a certain political party leader is probably not the route I want to take. I’ve always supported Labour so that’s where I’ll always stand, but I don’t think I’ll be publicly going for or against anyone … because politicians overall just have a way of letting you down.”
Lipa is due to headline Glastonbury at the end of this month on the Pyramid stage in Pilton, Somerset. Her most recent album, Radical Optimism, was released last month to favourable reviews.