Friends Star David Schwimmer Sparks Boycott Calls Over Israel Support
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
Actor David Schwimmer is facing boycott calls after appearing in a new ad campaign for the brand Quince, due to his public support for Israel. Pro-Palestinian activists have labeled him a "Zionist" and urged consumers to boycott the brand. Schwimmer has been a vocal supporter of Israel and opponent of antisemitism since the October 7 attacks.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- David Schwimmer's new Quince ad campaign has sparked boycott calls from pro-Palestinian activists.
- Critics are labeling Schwimmer a "Zionist" and urging consumers to boycott the American brand.
- The controversy is linked to Schwimmer's public support for Israel following the October 7 attacks.
- Supporters argue the criticism against Schwimmer has antisemitic undertones.
- Schwimmer has consistently spoken out against antisemitism and in support of Israel.
Actor David Schwimmer, best known for his role as Ross Geller in the sitcom "Friends," has become the target of online criticism and boycott calls following his participation in a new advertising campaign for the American brand Quince. The controversy stems from Schwimmer's public support for Israel, particularly after the October 7, 2023, attacks.
The new campaign, launched on November 9 and titled "The Red Sweater," features Schwimmer promoting a limited-edition cashmere collection. The advertisement reportedly draws on nostalgic references to his "Friends" character. However, the collaboration has ignited a backlash on social media, with pro-Palestinian users labeling Schwimmer a "Zionist" and urging consumers to boycott Quince.
Commenters have posted messages such as "Welcome to the boycott list" and "We don't want Zionists in ads." Some users have also employed the derogatory term "Zio" against Schwimmer. One individual stated they were canceling an order they had placed earlier that day.
Conversely, supporters of Schwimmer have defended him, arguing that the attacks on him are escalating beyond political criticism into antisemitism. Schwimmer has been vocal in his support for Israel and in condemning antisemitism since October 7. He has previously criticized organizations that doubted accounts of sexual violence by Hamas during the October 7 attacks, addressed rising antisemitism on U.S. university campuses in April 2024, and urged entertainment industry colleagues in March 2025 to speak out against hatred towards Jews.
This incident follows previous instances where Schwimmer's pro-Israel stance has drawn criticism from activists.