Livia Firth Criticizes Gwyneth Paltrow’s Israeli Property Advertisement
Livia Giuggioli, the ex-wife of actor Colin Firth, has publicly denounced Gwyneth Paltrow’s participation in an advertisement for an Israeli real estate company. The collaboration with Aviv Melisron has sparked considerable debate online, with many accusing Paltrow of endorsing the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Lebanon.
Giuggioli, 56, has joined the growing criticism, announcing she has “canceled” Paltrow, 53, and rescinded an invitation for the actress to visit her farm in Italy. Giuggioli, who co-founded the sustainable farm Quintosapore on the Tuscan-Umbrian border with her twin brothers, Alessandro and Nicola, was married to Colin Firth for 22 years until their separation in 2019. Firth, who starred alongside Paltrow in the acclaimed film Shakespeare in Love, maintains a close connection to the farm.
Eco-Activist Vows ‘Cancellation’
Giuggioli, an outspoken environmental activist advocating for a boycott of Israel due to its military actions, declared on social media: “I just cancelled Gwyneth Paltrow.”
In a video shared on Instagram, Giuggioli elaborated on her decision. “She was supposed to come to the farm in a couple of weeks’ time on a tour, a soil-to-fork farm experience, and we just cancelled her because what she did is completely unacceptable,” Giuggioli stated. She continued, “Making an ad for a luxury condo is as disgusting as it can be for someone [with] privilege. How detached are you from reality? You’re either so detached that you need to be cancelled, because you live in another world. Or you’re actually a really, really nasty person. Or you are stupid. Which are you, Gwyneth Paltrow?”
Paltrow’s Campaign Sparks Controversy
The advertisement in question, released earlier this week, features Paltrow in a modern high-rise apartment, highlighting the benefits of living near a park. She is heard promoting “51 Park,” a luxury residential development in Herzliya, an affluent Israeli city.
Online reactions have been sharply divided. Some social media users have criticized Paltrow, with one X/Twitter post reading: “Gwyneth Paltrow promotes $10M penthouses in Herzliya while Gaza burns and Lebanon bleeds.” Another user accused the actress of being “consciously uncoupled from morality.” A further comment expressed, “Something deeply unspeakably sinister about this thin, wealthy, white woman looking for any possible opportunity to collaborate with a state committing genocide in across at least two states.” One X user alleged, “She signed a $10M contract with the murderers of 17,000 children in Gaza.”
Supporters Defend Paltrow’s Stance
Conversely, other social media users have come to Paltrow’s defense. They commended her for her Jewish heritage and for demonstrating support for Israel during a period of heightened antisemitism globally, particularly following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.
One X account remarked, “Paltrow, who is Jewish, has spoken out consistently against antisemitism and raised her voice to free the hostages.” This user added, “So many has-been celebs demonize Israel to revive failing careers. The biggest stars know that refusing to dehumanize Israelis isn’t just great business. It’s the right thing to do.” Another commenter offered congratulations, stating, “Props to Oscar-winning actress @Gwyneth Paltrow for agreeing to be the face of an advertising campaign for an apartment complex project in Herzliya, Israel. Gwyneth has not allowed woke cancel culture prevent her from showing her Jewish pride or using her platform to raise awareness of the Israeli hostages’ plight as she did after October 7. So this doesn’t surprise me. Thank you Gwyneth for standing on the right side of history.”
Representatives for Gwyneth Paltrow have been contacted for comment. Paltrow has previously discussed her Jewish background and her support for Israeli hostages taken during the October 7 attacks. The conflict, which began with the killing of 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of dozens, has led to a significant military response in Gaza, resulting in tens of thousands of Palestinian casualties and widespread displacement. The ongoing hostilities with Hezbollah in Lebanon have also resulted in substantial loss of life and displacement. Both Israel and Hamas have denied allegations of war crimes.
