Overview
- Piker told Variety that Gadot should be banned from the Oscars and called her a “dogs--- actress,” adding she has “no business” being there.
- He argued that Gadot’s public image helps normalize Israel, pointing to the sexualization of female IDF members and what he called whitewashing.
- The comments came after Piker was asked about director Mira Nair signing a petition that urges the Academy to revoke Gadot’s Oscars invite.
- He contrasted Gadot with Natalie Portman, saying Portman faces less backlash because of stronger acting and more moderate statements on Israel.
- Gadot has drawn protests and boycott calls in the past, including a disrupted Walk of Fame ceremony, as Snow White struggled at the box office; she has defended speaking out after the Oct. 7 attacks.