Gym chain PureGym under fire for CEO's alleged pro-Israel statements, sparking boycott threats
Let's Stick It to 'Em: PureGym Faces Backlash Over CEO's Pro-Israel Stance Amid Gaza Crisis
The gym world's popular player, PureGym, is bearing the heat due to its CEO's controversial stance on UK arms sales to Israel. The controversy erupted after Humphrey Cobbold supported Israel's right to defend itself on the BBC's Question Time, seven months into Israel's devastating military offensive on Gaza.
Taking the question "Should we be selling arms to Israel?" Cobbold stated that while the UK sends only a tiny amount of weaponry to Israel, he was deeply concerned by the situation in Gaza. He insisted that Israel should provide safe harbor for Gaza's citizens who are not to blame for the ongoing conflict.
However, Cobbold also added that it was important to "not forget the origin and trigger of the problems we see today," referring to the 7 October attacks that left 1,200 Israelis dead. Some social media users, unimpressed by this justification, latched on to Cobbold's statements as support for Israel's actions, leading to a wave of canceled subscriptions.
One user tweeted, "Can't even go to the GYM without accidentally supporting the israeli genocide in Palestine. BOYCOTT BOYCOTT BOYCOTT," while another argued, "Humphrey Cobbold, 'Ten times the number of people sitting in this room were murdered on October 7th in cold blood' #BBCQT." Critics pointed out that Israel's military assault on Gaza has resulted in the deaths of over 35,000 Palestinians, with thousands more missing or presumed dead.
The intensity of these reactions has raised questions about the origin of the conflict. Many users, citing the Hamas-led attacks as unacceptable but not the starting point of the conflict, questioned Cobbold's perspective. One user posted, "Who knew the 'Israel Palestine conflict' started on 7 October 2023? I guess nothing happened before then. Thanks @PureGym guy."
The #Blockout2024 campaign adds fuel to the fire as social media users fan the flames of boycott against celebrities and influencers who have been silent on the Gaza issue. Influenced by the Met Gala extravaganza, amidst a million Palestinians facing a full-blown famine and heavy bombardment, the campaign has been gaining traction.
One TikTok user shared, "We gave them their platforms, it's time to take it back, take our views away, our likes, our comments, our money, by blocking them on all social media and digital platforms," advocating a "digital guillotine." Unfortunately, many celebrities and influencers targeted by this campaign view the backlash as too little too late after posting about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and Sudan.
As PureGym remains silent on the issue, users warn of the potential power of boycotts. "Wait until Humphrey realizes the power of boycott," one ominous tweet read.
[1] "PureGym customers cancel subscriptions after CEO's support for Israel amid Gaza conflict," Middle East Eye, [date unavailable][2] "Humphrey Cobbold's controversial comments cost PureGym its customers," Independent, [date unavailable][3] "Israel's devastating military offensive on Gaza," BBC News, [date unavailable][4] "UK arms exports to Israel during the Gaza conflict," International Business Times, [date unavailable][5] "Operation Blockout: social media users target celebrities," Middle East Eye, [date unavailable]
- The Middle East Eye reported that PureGym customers have been canceling subscriptions in response to the CEO's pro-Israel stance during the Gaza conflict.
- The Independent also noted that Humphrey Cobbold's comments supporting Israel have cost PureGym its customers.
- The BBC News reported on Israel's devastating military offensive on Gaza, the context for the controversy surrounding PureGym's CEO.
- The International Business Times published an article on UK arms exports to Israel during the Gaza conflict, highlighting the controversial issue at the heart of the dispute.
- Middle East Eye published an article on Operation Blockout, a campaign led by social media users to boycott celebrities and influencers who have remained silent on the Gaza issue.
- One TikTok user advocated for a "digital guillotine" as part of Operation Blockout, demonstrating the growing power of social media in influencing public opinion and driving boycotts.
