Dua Lipa says she is willing to risk backlash over criticism of Israel for the "greater good"

The soon-to-be Glastonbury headliner, Dua Lipa has said she is willing to risk a backlash over political statements after she recently described Israeli military operations in Gaza as a "genocide”.

In an interview with the Radio Times, the Albanian-British pop star said that her actions on social media were for “greater good” and worth the risk.

The Grammy award-winner last month reposted to her 88 million Instagram followers a graphic from the group Artists4Ceasefire, along with the hashtag #AllEyesOnRafah, which trended in the days after Israel’s bombing of the city in Gaza.

She wrote: “Burning children alive can never be justified. The whole world is mobilising to stop the Israeli genocide. Please show your solidarity with Gaza.”

Recently, she was referenced in an Israeli drill rap song that topped chart in Israel and called for the death of celebrities who expressed pro Palestinian views, including Lipa, Bella Hadid, and Mia Khalifa.

The track, by Israeli duo Ness & Stilla and called on the IDF to “rain a storm” and “strike” the women.

Speaking in the same interview the artist said: "When I speak about things that are political, I double-, triple-check myself to be: ‘OK, this is about something that is way bigger than me, and it’s necessary – and that’s the only reason I’m posting it.’ That is my only solace in doing that".

“It’s always going to be met with a backlash and other people’s opinions, so it’s a big decision. I balance it out, because ultimately I feel it’s for the greater good, so I’m willing to [take that hit]."

Speaking on her upbringing, the star- who was raised by Kosovon Albanian parents, said that:  “[Speaking up is] a natural inclination for me, given my background and heritage, and that my very existence is somewhat political – it’s not something that is out of the ordinary for me to be feeling close to,” she said.

In the same interview, Lipa revealed said she would vote for the Labour party in the forthcoming UK elections, but stopped short of endorsing the Party Leader Keir Starmer, personally.

She said: “For me, over the past three or four years, I’ve kind of decided that standing behind a certain political party leader is probably not the route I want to take. I’ve always supported Labour so that’s where I’ll always stand, but I don’t think I’ll be publicly going for or against anyone … because politicians overall just have a way of letting you down.”

Lipa is due to headline Glastonbury on Friday June 28.