AUSTIN, TEXAS: In the year 2020, the world was grappling with the Covid-19 pandemic. Hollywood, usually bustling with film productions and star-studded events, came to a standstill as theaters shut down, leaving many actors uncertain about their future. Amidst the challenges, people found different ways to cope with the situation. One such initiative involved Hollywood stars, including Gal Gadot, coming together to uplift fans by singing John Lennon's inspiring anthem, 'Imagine'. The heartwarming video aimed to spread hope during those difficult times.

However, not everyone appreciated the initiative. Joe Rogan criticized the initiative, branding it as "self-indulgent" and absurd. He disapproved of the video's attempt to spread positivity, garnering attention from both fans and critics alike. Rogan slammed Gadot and other celebrities who participated in the said. The video, featuring the 'Wonder Woman' star and fellow comics, gained immense popularity with over 6.6 million views on Gadot's Instagram page.

'You fucking idiot'

Gadot and several other prominent celebrities recently found themselves on the receiving end of Rogan's sharp and critical comments. In his podcast, he criticized Gadot and her colleagues, accusing them of being insensitive to the global situation and seemingly oblivious to the diverse problems faced by people worldwide during the pandemic. He did not hold back while sharing his views on the matter. While the video's intentions were to unite and uplift fans through the universal language of music, his critique sparked a heated debate.

“There are some people who get real self-indulgent and real self-righteous with that social media. It’s exposed a lot of celebrities for being real dorks," Rogan said.

Speaking about the video, Rogan said, "This is not the time, when everyone’s granny is dying, you f*****g idiot, to sing, ‘Imagine there’s no heaven,'” Rogan said on the episode on Wednesday, July 19, where he was joined by comedian Tom Segura. “It’s such a dumb move,” he added.

Rogan speculated that Gadot likely approached other stars, including Kristen Wiig, Natalie Portman, Zoe Kravitz, Will Ferrell, Mark Ruffalo, James Marsden, Sarah Silverman, and Amy Adams, with the 'Imagine' video's concept. According to Rogan, these celebrities may have agreed to participate, hoping to enhance their relationship with Gadot. However, he suggested that a true friend would have been candid and advised her that the idea could be perceived as tone-deaf and subject to criticism. He said, "If I’m friends with her … I would have to say, ‘Listen, you’re awesome. I think you’re great. But that is a ridiculous idea. It is so lacking in self-awareness and so ridiculous,'" adding, “There are some people who get real self-indulgent and real self-righteous with that social media. It’s exposed a lot of celebrities for being real dorks.”

'It was awesome!'

Rogan commended Rita Wilson for her video on social media. The actress, alongside her husband Tom Hanks, was recovering from Covid-19 when they made the video. In the video, Wilson rapped along with Naughty by Nature, showcasing her playful side and trying to combat boredom during her recovery. Rogan was impressed by the genuine and carefree nature of the video, applauding her for being herself without any pretense or effort to impress. He described it as an "awesome" and "fun" display of authenticity. He said, "It was awesome! It was fun. No makeup. She’s having fun. And it’s so obvious she wasn’t trying to be anything other than have fun.”