10 Cringe-Worthy Celebrity Coronavirus Messages That Miss the Mark

COVID-19 is a global crisis, affecting everyone, regardless of wealth, fame, or status. While we may wish for this tragedy to unite us, it often highlights the stark contrasts between us all.

Healthcare workers, including doctors, first responders, and those in grocery stores, are risking their lives daily to help those suffering from the virus. These individuals, along with others ensuring daily needs are met, are standing at the front lines while many are sheltering in place.

Despite showing no symptoms, celebrities, athletes, and politicians have easy access to tests and treatments that the average person can't get. This disparity raises an important question: What is the true role of a celebrity in the midst of a crisis? Do their actions and words have more weight when life or death is at stake?

According to Dr. Jerome Adams, the United States Surgeon General, celebrities do have an important role in this time of crisis. He mentioned that figures like Kylie Jenner and influencers should help people understand the gravity of the situation, stressing that this is a matter of life and death.

He mentioned that younger people are more likely to disregard quarantine rules, despite the potential dangers. Adams drew from his own experience with his teenage children: 'The more I tell them not to do something, the more determined they are to do it.'

10. Madonna

Imagine Madonna, with a freshly tightened face, relaxing in a luxurious marble bathtub. She’s completely naked, save for a mountain of jewelry, surrounded by flickering candles and accompanied by eerie background music. The soft rose petals drifting in her creamy bath are just enough to ensure the video remains PG.

The Material Girl’s serious expression is meant to underline the gravity of her message. She states, '[COVID-19] doesn't care about your wealth, your fame, your humor, your intelligence, where you live, how old you are, or what incredible stories you can tell. It is the great equalizer, and what’s awful about it is also what’s beautiful about it. What’s awful is that it has made us all equal in many ways — but what’s beautiful is that it has made us all equal in many ways.'

She concluded by saying, '…if the ship goes down, we’re all going down together.' Following the video, Madonna shared a photo of herself nude, strategically covered by roses. The caption read: 'No discrimination — Covid-19! #quarantine #covid_19 #staysafe.'

The 61-year-old pop legend has been outspoken about the pandemic, urging her followers to stay home, just as she has. However, her message of unity has been met with criticism. Even her most loyal fans have accused her of being privileged and disconnected from reality.

'You’re glad we’re all equal now — do you think someone in the slums of India is sitting in a tub right now full of rose petals? Delete your account.' @RieMcAz

'I always bathe in full makeup and jewelry, surrounded by flowers that are completely out of season.' @YourMajistiness

'I’m really starting to get tired of the wealthy right now..' @gizmorivera

'Meanwhile, some are barely getting by, and she’s posting pictures with petaled nipples. Cut it out, Madonna. I love you, but seriously, stop.' @jacksonleylidia

'Sorry, my queen, love you so much, but we’re not really equals. We may all die from the same diseases, but the poor will be the ones who suffer the most. Don’t romanticize any part of this tragedy.'

Madonna has since taken down the video, but as we all know, the internet never forgets.

9. Vanessa Hudgens

You can't undo what’s already done. You can't unring a bell or put the toothpaste back in the tube. Similarly, Vanessa Hudgens can't take back her thoughtless comments about COVID-19. During an Instagram live, she questioned the severity of the pandemic, saying, 'Um, yeah, 'til July sounds like a bunch of bullshit. I’m sorry, but like, it’s a virus, I get it, like, I respect it. But at the same time, I’m like, even if everybody gets it, yeah, people are going to die, which is terrible but like, inevitable? I don’t know. [laughs] Maybe I shouldn’t be doing this right now.'

'Am I the only one who thinks Vanessa Hudgens can spout all this heartless nonsense about the coronavirus and still get a test kit before the rest of us?' @AngelaBelcamino

'As someone who has supported some of your work, it’s incredibly disappointing. Millions of people are suffering not just from the virus but also from the collateral damage. Maybe try seeing beyond your own privileged world in the future, especially with such a large platform.' @FredTJoseph

'Me, my head scarf, my adrenal system, and my suppressed immune system do not accept your apology. I wish you safety and good health and hope that your insensitivity did not bring you harmful karma. I hope you genuinely learned from this.' @washurhandsmans

'Saying, ‘I’m sorry I offended anyone’ is very different from truly reflecting and admitting, ‘gosh, was I wrong.’' @Grady_Booch

8. Gal Gadot

Gal Gadot might be a superhero on screen, but her efforts during the pandemic aren't likely to save anyone in the real world. The Wonder Woman actress mentioned being inspired by an Italian trumpeter who played a moving version of John Lennon’s 'Imagine' for his quarantined neighbors. She then called on other celebrities to join her in singing the iconic song, but the result was underwhelming. A string of rich celebrities – attempting to appear like everyday people with messy hair, unkempt clothes, and no makeup – serenade the world with songs about peace, brotherhood, and a world 'without possessions.' Of course, these stars (Sia, Zoe Kravitz, Jimmy Fallon, Will Ferrell, and others) will never face the threat of actually losing their possessions. They are free to 'imagine' such things.

The lyrics of this song are simply inappropriate for the current crisis. Having no possessions isn’t some utopian dream – it’s a frightening reality for workers who have been ordered to stay home. Service workers, Uber drivers, and millions of so-called non-essential workers can’t afford to relax in their mansions while on break. The economy is crashing fast, and the road to recovery will be long and challenging.

'We are not in this together. You're extremely wealthy and have access to the finest medical care. This level of tone-deafness is almost on par with Marie Antoinette.' @courneythebaker [Mytour Fact-Check: Marie Antoinette never actually said 'Let them eat cake.']

'Wow, this is really appalling. While you’re sitting in your mansions with nothing to do while your staff caters to your every whim, the rest of us are scrambling to figure out how we’ll pay rent this month, how much debt we’ll accrue, and how we’ll rebuild our lives. *You are definitely not part of the group that’s ‘in this together.'” @lorenpeta

'It’s nice that you have time to reflect philosophically, while the rest of us are overwhelmed with anxiety and fear.' @thewoodlands

'Imagine there’s no hunger? Yeah, I don’t think you can, because you’ll all be just fine while the rest of us suffer.' @nikkikittums

'Thank goodness the rich are singing for us. I was starting to get worried for a second.' @juice_wagon

'You can’t advocate for global unity from an ivory tower, I’m afraid.' @ellyleggatt

'Imagine healthcare workers on the front lines not having adequate protective gear while a group of smug celebrities perform a terrible song.' @susieherbertlight

'I’m sure the common folk really appreciate being denied a test, while celebrities get tested without even showing symptoms. Keep going, we love being patronized.' @swagittarius001

7. Naomi Campbell

Last summer, Naomi Campbell attracted attention with her germophobic routine on airplanes. This was before the COVID-19 pandemic, but now the supermodel is taking even more extreme measures to protect herself. While most of the world would choose to stay at home, Campbell (being important and having important places to go) continued to travel. Rather than self-quarantining to help prevent the virus's spread, she opted for even more extreme travel protection.

On March 10 at Los Angeles International Airport, Campbell wore latex gloves, safety goggles, a facemask, and a full-body hazmat suit for her flight. She captioned the photo, 'Safety First NEXT LEVEL.'

We’re neither impressed nor amused. She and other celebrities with similar views (Bella Hadid, Brody Jenner, Kate Hudson) are causing harm. Anyone who continues to travel is potentially spreading the virus. Asymptomatic travelers who wear masks only deplete the already limited stock of personal protective equipment for healthcare workers and those who are infected. Experts have continually advised non-symptomatic individuals to refrain from using up the precious PPE supply. And most importantly, to STAY HOME.

'You’re ignorant and entitled.' @janeygirl56

'A mask is for infected individuals to stop spreading the virus, not for healthy people.' @sevillacabanis.peggy

I am a nurse. And a mother. My 70-year-old parents are watching my kids while I work. My hospital can't get N95 masks. Yet patients keep coming. And I will continue working. Without a mask, because photos like this have taken them away from healthcare workers. @spinnstar

6. Gwyneth Paltrow

No discussion of tone-deaf celebrities would be complete without mentioning Gwyneth Paltrow. She, too, posted a selfie wearing a face mask on an airplane. Her caption: 'En route to Paris. Paranoid? Prudent? Panicked? Placid? Pandemic? Propaganda? Paltrow’s just going to sleep with this on the plane. I’ve already been in this movie [Contagion]. Stay safe. Don’t shake hands. Wash hands frequently.' This was in February.

More than a month later, she’s still posting pictures of herself in masks, the most recent on a trip to the local farmer’s market. In her lecture-like post, she described how she followed protocol while shopping for herbs and veggies, and chastised others who might not be sticking to the rules as well. Her followers responded, criticizing the actress for using PPE on a casual shopping trip while doctors and nurses face dire shortages.

'Are you serious? The mask isn’t to protect you from people with corona. Masks are for those who are infected and want to prevent spreading it. Wake up Sheeple.' @dankje_hd

A good way to stay healthy is by avoiding crowded places. Mask or not, that’s the reality. Empathy would mean understanding others, but it seems you’re lacking that. Doctors and those who are actually sick need the masks, not people just gathering more food for dinner. @misskelg

It would be great if you could invest in safety and equipment for frontline healthcare and emergency service workers. @v_nik_a

5. Selena Gomez

Washing your hands is one of the most basic ways to protect yourself from illness, including the coronavirus. That’s why Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), initiated the #SafeHands challenge to promote 'regular, safe, and effective hand hygiene.'

Celebrities love a good social media challenge, especially one that involves filming themselves doing something trendy. But watching celebs wash their hands as if they've never done it before is a bit odd. Take Selena Gomez, for instance. With over 170 million followers, she could take Dr. Tedros’ challenge to the next level. But she struggled! She even admitted in her caption that she 'had to redo this video so many times.' Her followers still adore her (she’s as cute as a button), but they couldn’t help but call her out on her lack of skill.

This is completely WRONG. Why would you turn off the water just to turn it back on with your CLEAN hands? Then you shut it off with a napkin only to reCONTAMINATE your hands. Just stay home @selenagomez, that would definitely be the safest option for you. @kaygoddess_

You’re supposed to dry your hands first and THEN turn off the faucet. #FAIL. @marisaluisaa

4. Arnold Schwarzenegger

And that's where it gets truly bizarre. We’re used to celebrity eccentricities, but Arnold goes beyond the norm. The 72-year-old actor shared videos from his kitchen, where he’s dining with Whiskey, his pony, and Lulu, his donkey. Yes, they're eating spinach right off his plate in the kitchen. It's all strangely amusing and, in its own unique way, lightens the tone of Arnold’s message. His followers played along:

He’ll have that donkey on his plate before the month comes to an end. @taradublinrocks

Be cautious. A slight hint of hoarseness can be one of the first symptoms of Coronavirus. @MatCostin

For some reason, I can't quite put my finger on it, but this piece of advice about coronavirus actually made me feel better. Leave it to the Terminator to lift my spirits during a global pandemic. @seanpcarragher

Some tweets, however, haven’t been as warmly received by the public. One video featured a man saying, “Here I am at home, enjoying a jacuzzi, smoking a cigar,” as part of a message to encourage people to “Stay. At. Home.” But his message feels disconnected from the reality most are facing, and it's in poor taste for him to be smoking while a deadly respiratory illness spreads.

Arnold, I understand your point, but not everyone lives in a mansion with unlimited resources. The message itself is valid, but maybe a bit less grandstanding would come across as more authentic. Thanks! @edwardebrowden

It’s easy for you to say. Some of us still have to work for our money and pay our bills. @ValeriRX

I’m fed up with people delivering these messages from their luxury spas with millions in the bank while so many of us are wondering if tomorrow will be our last day at work, with everything we’ve worked for on the line. @lmarts1017

3. Evangeline Lilly

Canadian actress Evangeline Lilly, best known for her role in *Lost*, has seriously angered her followers. She chose to ignore COVID-19 containment measures, claiming she values her freedom too much to be told to self-quarantine. On March 16, she shared an Instagram post featuring a photo of her teacup and wrote, “#morningtea Just dropped my kids off at gymnastics camp. They all washed their hands before going in. They are playing and laughing. #businessasusual.” This tone-deafness was apparent. Among the responses, she remarked, “where we are right now feels a lot too close to Marshall [sic] Law.” Ironically, her actions may be contributing to the very *martial* law she fears: complying with social distancing could prevent such measures. It didn’t take long for the hashtag #unfollowevangelinelilly to start trending (before Instagram censored it on her behalf), and her (former) followers made their voices heard.

That’s incredibly selfish and irresponsible. @lesleyannbrandt

I’m planning on avoiding everything you’re involved in. I hope others do the same. @theycallmeamy007

Your actions could cost lives. Truly beyond selfish. @simplynaturalevents

I had to lay off 150 people today, one by one, in person. But I'm sure you're enjoying your cup of tea while life remains #businessasusual for you. Stay tone-deaf and keep contributing to the problem, Evangeline. @hopesdaddy11

We’ve lost more people here than the US did on 9/11. Cheers from Italy. Enjoy your tea. @thefakerael

This isn’t about you or your kids needing to go to gymnastics camp. It’s about doing the responsible thing to avoid infecting others, especially those with compromised immune systems, with this rapidly spreading virus. Step out of your bubble and think about the bigger picture. @happhealthfreak [Ironically, Lilly’s father, who has leukemia, lives with the family.]

I’m a front-line healthcare worker who was exposed to COVID-19 by someone just like you. Someone who lied about their travel history, refused to self-isolate, and then developed symptoms and sought testing. I’m now on day 7 of isolation. This person has endangered my children and myself. This is no joke. My colleagues are overwhelmed because people like you refuse to take this seriously. We’re running out of beds, PPE, and ventilators. For you to deny the reality we face daily as Nurses, Doctors, Microbiologists, and Virologists is both insulting and dangerous. @ema_seren

2. Joe Giudice

Joe Giudice, former husband of Teresa Giudice from *The Real Housewives of New Jersey*, has a history of disregarding the law and doing things his own way. (He pled guilty to 41 counts of fraud and was deported to Italy.) Now, he’s challenging COVID-19 quarantine measures. In a March 10 Instagram post, he wrote, “More people die from Viagra (heart attacks and drug overdoses) every day than from this coronavirus. People here are panicking because the government is being ridiculous with [lock] down!!!! Sorry, lockdown isn’t for me. Never again! Stay safe, eat healthy, exercise, and don’t shake hands. #coronavirus #staysafeoutthere #lockdownnotcool #awarenessiskey #washhands”

Sorry Joe, but you really need to start respecting this virus... @sarahallison8046

The reason the virus continues to spread is because people are ignoring quarantines and lockdowns. Maybe you’re not concerned about yourself, but think about others, Joe. @nosillamp

That’s where you’re going wrong. You’re stuck in Italy because you chose not to follow the rules. Stop thinking you’re exempt and start taking precautions for your children’s sake. Time to humble yourself. @sharene.c

1. Jameela Jamil

English actress and activist Jameela Jamil is no stranger to controversy. She frequently speaks out on everything from diet shakes to Oprah, whom she claims “would never have made it in the UK.” So it was no surprise when the entertainer shared a bizarre theory about the coronavirus on Twitter.

I can’t help but think that this virus might be Mother Nature’s way of clapping back. She wants us to stop moving, consuming, and burning, or she’s going to destroy us all. Wishing endurance, strength, and patience to everyone affected by Corona. It’s all so terrifying.”