Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 4, 2025 · Entertainment

Gal Gadot: Reluctant to Return After Antisemitic Protests in London

Gal Gadot has been left 'scarred' and 'reluctant to ever film in London again' following a wave of anti-Israel and antisemitic protests that have dogged the production of her latest film, The Runner

Gal Gadot's London Nightmare: Actress Feels "Scarred" and "Reluctant to Film in the UK Again" Amid Antisemitic Protests

In a shocking turn of events, Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot has been left reeling from a wave of anti-Israel and antisemitic protests that have plagued the production of her latest film, The Runner. Sources close to the production confirm that the 40-year-old actress is "reluctant to ever film in London again" due to the traumatic experience.

The drama began when pro-Palestinian activists started demonstrating outside filming locations, accusing Gadot of "normalising war criminals" because of her past support for Israel and mandatory service in the Israeli Defence Forces. The protests have been relentless, with over 20 days of disruptions, including a particularly disturbing incident on Waterloo Bridge last month.

The Wonder Woman star, 40, is currently in the UK shooting The Runner, a political thriller, but has faced persistent demonstrations from pro-Palestinian activists who accuse her of 'normalising war criminals' because of her past support for Israel and mandatory service in the Israeli Defence Forces

According to eyewitnesses, protesters waved Palestinian flags, brandished saucepan lids, and blared sirens as they chanted "Gal Gadot, you can't hide" while holding signs that read "Trash Gadot not welcome in London" and "Stop starving Gaza." The Metropolitan Police eventually dispersed the crowd, but no arrests were made at the time.

However, things took a dramatic turn when police finally took action last week. Five individuals were arrested for attempting to disrupt the production, with two of the arrests related to previous protests and three on the day of the incident. Superintendent Neil Holyoak confirmed that the Metropolitan Police would not tolerate "harassment or unlawful interference" with those trying to work in London.

The protests have been a constant thorn in the side of the film's production team, who have grown increasingly exasperated by the lack of firm action from authorities. The Campaign Against Antisemitism has condemned the sustained targeting of Gadot, warning that it reflects a wider climate of hostility toward Jewish people in the UK.

According to a source close to the production, Ms Gadot has told friends she is 'reluctant to ever film in London again' and has found the experience 'scarring'

"This is not just about Gal Gadot; it's about the way Jewish people are being treated in this country," said a spokesperson for the organisation. "We welcome the arrests, but we need to see more action from authorities to protect our community."

The experience has left Gadot feeling "scared" and has made her question whether she wants to continue working in the UK. Her representatives have been contacted for comment, but so far, there's been no word from the actress herself.

Gadot's treatment has sparked widespread condemnation, with many speaking out against the antisemitic protests. The actress has faced similar harassment in the US, where her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony was disrupted by protesters chanting "Shame on Gal Gadot" and waving Palestinian flags.

The source added that those working on the film had become increasingly exasperated by the scale of the disruption, which began earlier this month, and by what they perceived as a lack of firm action by police

In a disturbing twist, vandals even defaced her star on the Walk of Fame, scrawling "Baby killer" and altering her surname to "Greestien," a misspelling of her family's original Jewish name, Greenstein. Stickers with inflammatory messages like "Israeli snipers target children" were also found, sparking outrage.

The Campaign Against Antisemitism has likened the graffiti to medieval antisemitic tropes, warning that it's a sign of a deeper problem in British society. As Gadot navigates this challenging time, one thing is clear: she won't be taking any more chances in the UK anytime soon.

A Timeline of Events

Demonstrators disrupted her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in May, chanting 'Shame on Gal Gadot' and waving Palestinian flags. Days later, her star on the Walk of Fame was defaced, with vandals scrawling 'Baby killer' and altering her surname to 'Greestien'¿a misspelling of her family's original Jewish name, Greenstein.

  • May: Protesters disrupt Gal Gadot's Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony
  • May 10: Vandalism: Gal Gadot's star on the Walk of Fame is defaced with graffiti and stickers
  • June: Protests begin outside filming locations for The Runner in London
  • Over 20 days of protests, with activists sharing filming locations on social media and attempting to block access
  • June 15: Metropolitan Police confirm five arrests related to attempts to disrupt production

What's Next?

As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Gadot will continue working in the UK. The Campaign Against Antisemitism has called for greater action from authorities to protect Jewish people and communities.

The Campaign Against Antisemitism told the Mail: 'Here is an example of a foreign Jew being made to feel unwelcome. We have all learned the hard way that 'Free Palestine' activism does not end with mere rhetoric. The time has come to clamp down once and for all'

"We need to see a major shift in how we address antisemitism in this country," said a spokesperson. "It's time to clamp down on hate speech and take real action to make our community feel safe."

As the drama continues, one thing is clear: Gal Gadot won't be forgotten anytime soon.