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Israeli pop star Noa Kirel’s latest release, “Like What You See,” has sparked controversy after co-writer Naika, a Haitian-French descent, American-born singer-songwriter, demanded that her name be removed from the song’s credits.
Sources revealed that Naika feared being boycotted by her fans due to Kirel’s outspoken support for Israel, especially in light of the ongoing conflict.
The song, which was released last Friday, was co-written by Naika before the Israel-Hamas conflict escalated. She had been recording her latest album in the United States when she collaborated with Kirel.
However, as the song’s release date approached, Naika reportedly reached out to Kirel’s team, insisting that the song not be released at all.
When that request was denied, Naika demanded that her name be entirely removed from the credits, which would mean she would not receive any royalties from the track.
Sources close to the situation revealed that Naika was so troubled by the connection to the song that she refused to listen to it after its release. “She ignored it,” one source claimed.
Naika’s decision appears to stem from fears over the backlash she might face from her audience due to Kirel’s prominent advocacy for Israel.
In March 2024, Kirel was announced as a participant in a Public Diplomacy campaign by Israel’s Diaspora Ministry, aimed at spreading awareness of the October 7 Hamas massacre.
The campaign’s goal is to generate global recognition of Israel’s perspective on the conflict, and Kirel’s involvement has attracted significant attention internationally.
Despite the tension, Kirel’s team has not publicly commented on Naika’s demand. Industry insiders have raised concerns about the impact this controversy might have on Kirel’s career and the wider music industry, particularly as artists increasingly navigate political and social pressures.
Naika’s position highlights the complex intersection of art and politics, particularly in the context of international conflicts, where public figures often find themselves caught between personal beliefs and fan expectations.