People Have New Respect For Dave Matthews After He Speaks Up For Gaza

Some people are changing their tune about musician Dave Matthews after the singer spoke out against the war in Gaza amid Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington, D.C., this week.

During protests in the capital on Wednesday, the Dave Matthews Band singer and guitarist was among the thousands who called out American politicians for welcoming Netanyahu to speak in front of Congress while Israel’s military offensive on Gaza stretches into its 10th month.

At the demonstration, Matthews accused U.S. leaders of complicity in the conflict, which Gaza’s Health Ministry says has killed more than 39,000 people, including thousands of women and children. The United Nations special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories released a report earlier this year accusing Israel of carrying out a genocide. The current war began after Hamas militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people and taking another 251 hostage.

Matthews told Al Jazeera that Netanyahu’s appearance on Capitol Hill was a “disgusting show of support for someone who doesn’t deserve our support.”

“I’m ashamed that my tax dollars are going to the brutalizing of an entire people,” he said, referring to America’s ongoing and contentious policy of supplying aid to Israel. “It’s shameful. And I’m ashamed that our government is welcoming him here.”

Matthews’ comments sparked a wave of reactions from people who previously sneered at the ultra-popular but often-derided jam band.

One social media user even drew up an apology form, which highlighted Matthews’ record of advocating against injustice and gave people the chance to walk back some of their more shallow criticisms.

The “Crash Into Me” singer has used his platform to speak out against the war in Gaza multiple times since last fall.

During a May concert in Jacksonville, Florida, Matthews called for a cease-fire and for the return of hostages who remain in Hamas custody.

While public support for ending the war in Gaza has been growing for months, Netanyahu was defiant in his address to Congress on Wednesday.

In his remarks, the prime minister called demonstrators “Iran’s useful idiots” and implored Congress to give Israel “the tools” to “finish the job.”

See more reactions to Matthews’ anti-war comments below:

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