'Activism Of Convenience': Priyanka Chopra Criticised For Iran Women Post

Priyanka Chopra is yet again being criticised for 'selective activism' after she came out in support of the ongoing anti-hijab protests in Iran.  Earlier this week, the actor voiced her support for the Iranian women protesting the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini who died while in the custody of the morality police after she was detained for allegedly wearing her headscarf improperly.

Chopra added that she was “in awe” of the Iranian women’s “courage” and “purpose”. She wrote, “It is not easy to risk your life, literally, to challenge the patriarchal establishment and fight for your rights”.

The actor emphasised the importance of ensuring the movement would have a lasting effect. She implored people to “hear their call, understand the issues, and then join in with our collective voices”.

Priyanka Chopra criticised

However, a few folks on Twitter have criticised Chopra's statement stating that the actor 'never stood for Indian Muslim women who go through similar plight in the country.'

One user wrote, "It’s totally okay to appreciate and acknowledge Priyanka Chopra speaking up for Iranian women, but at the same time call out the hypocrisy of not speaking about similar plights happening to women suffering in India, especially Indian Muslims. It’s obvious the current political climate in India is scary, especially for high profile individuals, but this seems quite suspect to stand by one set of women being oppressed, while others in your own country suffer just the same."

Calling out the actor as a hypocrite, someone wrote, "Priyanka Chopra maintained silence on the release of rapists in India. Such a hypocrite and opportunist woman she is."

Poet Nabiya Khan tweeted, "Priyanka, your activism of convenience is pukeworthy. This means nothing when you choose to look away from the plight of hijabi women in India who are denied education for wearing a piece of cloth over their head and harassed by Hindutva goons and the state. You are a Hypocrite!"

Another wrote, "Priyanka Chopra stands up for American black lives and Iranian women because doing so adds to her “woke” credentials in the US but never for Indian Muslims because doing so hurts her “nationalist” credentials in India.

Journalist Rana Ayyub said, "Priyanka Chopra’s concern for Iranian women is hugely appreciated, but her silence on Bilkis Bano and the state-enabled persecution of Muslims, especially marginalised women in her home country, India is worth introspection?"

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