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Julian Casablancas Comments on American Zionists in Interview
Julian Casablancas, lead singer of The Strokes, compared American Zionists to Black people during slavery in a YouTube interview. The remarks followed a Coachella performance criticizing U.S. foreign policy and Israel's actions in Gaza. Social media reactions to the comments were mixed.
Apr 23, 8:32 PM·1m read1 source
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Julian Casablancas, the frontman of The Strokes, stated in a YouTube interview that American Zionists receive the benefits of white privilege but speak as if they are Black people during slavery. The comments were made during an appearance on the series 'SubwayTakes,' hosted by Kareem Rahma.
' Rahma agreed with the statement and added his own comments about events in Gaza, noting attendance at a wedding in Tel Aviv amid reported deaths nearby.
The interview followed The Strokes' performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 11, 2026, in Indio, California. ' The band members left the stage while the clip continued playing. The performance included criticism of U.S. foreign policy and Israel's military campaign in Gaza.
Casablancas has a history of political statements, including opposition to President Trump. He grew up in New York City and socialized with the president when younger.
' He compared them to Native American rebellions and slave rebellions, stating that violent rebellions do not justify the underlying oppression. Social media responses to the comments varied. ' Others criticized the remarks on platforms like Reddit and Instagram, describing them as tone deaf or accusing them of antisemitism.
