Actor Kevin Zegers Targeted Over Alleged Pro-Israel Stance
Canadian actor Kevin Zegers, known for his role as Damian in "Gossip Girl," is facing backlash and a petition calling for his removal from the second season of the LGBTQ+ hit series "The Irony of Fate." The campaign, primarily driven by pro-Palestinian activists, alleges that Zegers' supposed pro-Israel and Zionist views contradict the show's values of acceptance and inclusion.
The petition, hosted on Change.org, has garnered over 4,400 signatures. It urges the show's creator, Jacob Tierney, and Canadian streamer Crave, which produced the series, to replace Zegers, who is slated to play a coach in the upcoming season. Protesters claim Zegers' online activity, including a November 2023 Instagram post showing freed hostage Emily Hand reuniting with her father, demonstrates Islamophobic rhetoric and indirect support for Israel's actions in Gaza.
"The Irony of Fate," which focuses on a secret romance between two rival hockey players, has become particularly significant for the LGBTQ+ community. Zegers, 41, is set to portray Coach Viba alongside returning stars Hudson Williams and Connor Story. Filming for the second season commenced last month. The series is based on a book series by Canadian author Rachel Reid.
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