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The world’s eyes are currently on the Cannes Film Festival and A-list actress Cate Blanchett is taking the opportunity to bring awareness to Palestine. Or is she?
The Oscar-winning film star attended the premiere of The Apprentice on Monday night, wearing a form-fitting gown that certainly sparked conversation.
The Jean Paul Gaultier creation, designed by Haider Ackerman, featured a black front and light pink back (which photographed white), with green lining on the inside.
While posing on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet, the actress lifted the back of her dress to reveal the inverted colour panel. From the outset, many people interpreted the black, white, green and red colour scheme as baring a stark resemblance to the Palestinian flag.
Eagle-eyed social media fans were quick to infer that the Rumours star was showing solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
The subtle yet bold move marks the latest in Blanchett’s humanitarian endeavours. The actress is widely known for being a women’s rights activist, and has frequently spoken about the conflict in Gaza. In November, she called for an immediate ceasefire in the Strip while speaking at the European Parliament Plenary Session.
“I am not Syrian. I am not Ukrainian. I am not Yemeni. I am not Afghani. I am not from South Sudan. I am not from Israel or Palestine. I am not a politician. I am not even a pundit. But I am a witness,” she said. “And having witnessed the human cost of war, violence and persecution visiting refugees from across the globe, I cannot look away.”
Prior to that, the film star signed the Artists4Ceasfire letter, joining a group of more than 60 actors and artists Hollywood, urging US President Joe Biden to call for an immediate ceasefire in the territories.
The actress accessorised her statement-making ensemble with a string of pearls from Louis Vuitton and two-toned heels that matched her dress.
