Climate activist Greta Thunberg is once again in the global spotlight for her bold activism in Gaza.
After a short video surfaced showing Thunberg saying “We have been kidnapped” while volunteering with a humanitarian flotilla intercepted by the Israeli military, media provocateur Piers Morgan responded with his usual brand of keyboard outrage, calling her an “attention-seeking narcissist.”
“Oh shut up, @GretaThunberg – you attention-seeking narcissist,” Morgan posted on X. “What an insult to the actual hostages in Gaza who really WERE kidnapped. This stupid stunt is all about your ego, and will make zero difference to the plight of innocent Palestinians caught up in this dreadful war.”
The video, shared by Open Source Intel, features Thunberg in a keffiyeh scarf, solemnly stating, “My name is Greta Thunberg, and I am from Sweden… We have been kidnapped.”
The clip quickly went viral and sparked heated debate over who deserves to speak out about Gaza—and who shouts from the sidelines.
What actually happened?
Thunberg was volunteering with the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), a group that attempts to deliver aid to Gaza by sea in defiance of Israel’s blockade. According to the FFC, the IDF intercepted their boat in international waters, and volunteers were detained.
The Israeli military claimed the group’s actions were “provocative” and said it acted within legal bounds. But for Thunberg and her fellow volunteers, the sudden seizure of their boat and their forced removal from the area was reasonably described as kidnapping.
Thunberg’s defenders argue that the reaction to her language is missing the point: she put herself on the line for Palestinians under siege, while others sit comfortably at home crafting snarky tweets.
Piers Morgan: Outrage on autopilot
Morgan, known for his tabloid bluster and endless rants, has made a career out of attacking young progressive voices, especially women. From Meghan Markle to Simone Biles and now Thunberg, Morgan rarely misses an opportunity to mock anyone challenging the status quo.
But this time, his attack seemed particularly hollow. Thunberg, whatever you think of her, has consistently used her platform to draw attention to marginalized communities. She didn’t just talk about Gaza—she got on a boat and went there.
Unlike the many celebrities who issue performative statements from the comfort of red carpets, Thunberg has taken serious risks to put pressure on governments and spotlight injustice. And for that, she’s earned not just criticism—but admiration.
A stunt or a stand?
It’s easy to roll your eyes at dramatic language in a 25-second clip. But it’s harder to ignore the fact that Thunberg is one of the few high-profile Western figures who has chosen to bear witness to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza firsthand.
Morgan’s attempt to discredit her only underlines the uncomfortable truth: shouting “narcissist” at someone doing the work you’re not willing to do doesn’t make you the hero. It just makes you louder.
Published: Jun 9, 2025 11:33 am