Adult star turned social media influencer, Mia Khalifa, lost jobs with Playboy and a popular podcaster due to her fire-raising comments on X, (previously known as Twitter). The comments, which openly supported Palestine amidst the horror and chaos of the Israel-Hamas war seem to have sparked massive controversy and backlash.
Following the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas, which resulted in many tragic casualties, Khalifa was very vociferous in her pro-Palestine stand. To many, her posts were highly controversial, leading to a storm of criticism.
A case in point, Todd Shapiro, a renowned Canadian broadcaster and radio host, was so outraged that he knew he had to act. Consequently, he took it upon himself to sever his business ties with Khalifa.
Your post is horrendous @miakhalifa. You are fired with immediate effect. Beyond disgusting. You ought to evolve and be a better human being. It’s profoundly disturbing that you are deliberately ignoring death, rape, beatings and hostage-taking. No words can describe your ignorance. We need human dignity and harmony in the face of such calamity. I hope you evolve into a better individual. However, it is evident that it’s too late for you.
This is such a horrendous tweet @miakhalifa. Consider yourself fired effective immediately. Simply disgusting. Beyond disgusting. Please evolve and become a better human being. The fact you are condoning death, rape, beatings and hostage taking is truly gross. No words can… https://t.co/ez4BEtNzj4
— Todd Shapiro (@iamToddyTickles) October 8, 2023
Mia Khalifa Response and Further Backlash
Following the repercussions, Khalifa attempted to defend her posts, stating that she regretted not being keen on who she was partnering with in business. Khalifa also clarified that her posts weren't meant to encourage violence, but rather highlight the struggle for freedom in Palestine. However, her protests seem to have fallen on deaf ears.
I regret to have missed checking whether or not I was doing business with Zionists. Addressing the post that got me fired, I would like to make it clear that this statement was in no way advocating violence. The phrase "freedom fighters" was used deliberately as that’s what the Palestinian people are, battling daily for their freedom.
I’d say supporting Palestine has lost me business opportunities, but I’m more angry at myself for not checking whether or not I was entering into business with Zionists. My bad. https://t.co/sgx8kzAHnL
— Mia K. (@miakhalifa) October 8, 2023
The Playboy Chapter Closure
In addition to her business ties with Todd, Khalifa also lost her association with adult magazine, Playboy, which terminated their relationship in response to her remarks regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict.
We announce our decision to terminate Playboy's relationship with Mia Khalifa today, this includes deleting Mia's Playboy channel on our creator platform. Despite our organizations belief in free expression and constructive political debates, we maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards hate speech.
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