Debra Messing Warned Not to Defend Israel
'Will & Grace' star stands tall for hostages, sees new roles dry up?
Debra Messing doesn’t hide her progressive beliefs.
The “Will & Grace” alum happily used that show’s reboot to criticize President Donald Trump. She also recorded a pro-Joe Biden campaign video in 2020.
There’s nothing unusual about the star’s activism. She’s far from alone in oh, so progressive Hollywood.
Yet Messing did something unexpected following Hamas’ barbaric assault on Israel on October 7. The starlet started speaking up for the Israeli hostages on social media and elsewhere.
Thank you, Debra Messing, for being a voice of reason and moral clarity in Hollywood.
A statement that Hamas should release the hostages should not be controversial.
@HereIAmWithShai @ShaiDavidai pic.twitter.com/RbK8hY0rTv
— Embassy of Israel to the USA (@IsraelinUSA) January 9, 2025
She joined a microscopically small group of artists who use their clout to demand their release.
- Patricia Heaton
- Michael Rapaport
- John Ondrasik
- Amy Schumer
And, according to the director of a new documentary, Messing paid a price for it.
Wendy Sachs’ “October 8” shares the shocking rise of antisemitism following the Hamas atrocities. Sachs recently spoke to Israel Hayom about the film, Hollywood’s reaction to the growing anti-Israel backlash and more.
“We discovered that Hollywood has no spine; we saw that people have no courage. So many famous Jews: Producers, directors, writers, actors, comedians. People who built their careers by telling Jewish stories. My acquaintances, my friends – suddenly they’re silent.”
Her film features Rapaport bemoaning the lack of celebrity support for the hostages. She also shared how Messing’s activism came with a price. And she wasn’t alone.
“I saw how people were canceled as a result of their support for Israel, I saw how careers were damaged. Even actress Debra Messing’s manager, who participated in producing my film, told her she was harming her career.”
A few stars were briefly punished for extreme pro-Palestinian views, including Susan Sarandon and Melissa Barrera of “Scream” fame. Both appear to be forgiven and have new projects in the works.
Not Messing.
She’s had three minor roles since 2021 – “Bros,” “The Alto Knights” and “13: The Musical.”
That’s it. The star is financially secure following two “Will & Grace” runs and may be opting for a lighter schedule. Or, her pro-Israel activism is harming her career prospects.
Sachs wouldn’t be surprised. Nor should anyone following Hollywood in a post-October 7 world.
RELATED: ARE CRITICS AVOIDING ‘SCREAMS BEFORE SILENCE?’
Messing’s new op-ed in The Times of Israel may exacerbate the problem. And she’s willing to accept that fate.
The actress doesn’t attack Hollywood directly, but her verbiage insinuates just that.
I’ve always known antisemitism existed on the far right … What I did not expect was to see its shadow growing in places I had always trusted. In rooms that had always felt safe [emphasis added]. Among people who say they stand for the vulnerable.
Later, she calls out her fellow progressives for standing down on the shocking rise of antisemitism.
Jewish safety and progressive values should never be in conflict. If they are, we have to ask whether we’ve drifted from our humanity. The test is whether progressivism stands firm, not just when it is easy but when it’s hard; when it forces us to confront multiple truths.