Children’s educator Ms Rachel reveals she is secretly lobbying celebrities to speak out on Gaza, and she is done playing nice
Speak up.
Rachel Accurso, the beloved children’s educator known to millions as Ms Rachel, is making waves for reasons far beyond her educational YouTube channel. She is officially done playing nice with the celebrity elite. According to IB Times, Accurso recently revealed that she is actively lobbying high-profile stars to use their massive platforms to speak out about Gaza, Palestine. Her latest move involves a sharp refusal to fawn over famous figures who remain silent about the genocide.
This shift in her public advocacy marks a major evolution in how she views her role as an influential creator. Accurso has reached a point where she is no longer interested in the typical celebrity worship culture. She made her stance clear in a recent Instagram post. The post featured a hypothetical scenario about meeting a huge celebrity. Her response to the idea was blunt and direct. She stated, “No. I don’t fan girl over someone who is doing nothing during a genocide.”
Accurso is clearly tired of seeing stars with massive audiences stay quiet. While she did not name the specific celebrity in her post, her message was loud and clear. She is prioritizing her advocacy for suffering children over the allure of fame. Accurso has long been a vocal advocate for children impacted by various conflicts. Her work has touched on crises in Sudan, Congo, Haiti and Ukraine as well. However, her focus on Gaza, Palestine, has become a central part of her public profile.
Accurso is not just shouting into the void
The YouTuber is actively working behind the scenes to change minds. In the caption of her Instagram post, she clarified that she would still be willing to talk to someone with a massive platform. Her goal in those conversations is to persuade them to speak out. She added, “(And I have),” confirming that she has already engaged in these difficult discussions.
Accurso did not provide details on who she approached or the specific outcomes of those talks. She is clearly committed to the work of persuasion, even if it is happening in private. Her activism has not gone unnoticed or unopposed. Accurso has faced criticism from various groups and commentators.
For example, the Campaign Against Antisemitism recently spoke out against her, per Fox News. They argued that her standards represent an exclusionary political test. A spokesperson for the group claimed her comments were hypocritical. They also referenced a past incident where she liked a comment online, suggesting she should avoid these topics entirely.
Other voices have also weighed in on Accurso’s expanding political profile
Bethany Mandel, a Washington Examiner contributor and homeschooling mother, has been critical of her stance. Mandel suggested that Accurso has become an influential messenger regarding the genocide. She specifically accused the educator of amplifying a ‘Hamas narrative’. Despite this pushback, Accurso remains steadfast. She has defended her right to discuss these issues while continuing her work as a children’s educator.
Her commitment to the cause goes beyond just social media posts and private lobbying. She has put her money where her mouth is. Recently, she pledged to match a $1 million donation made by rapper Macklemore. His donation was aimed at organizations supporting Palestinians. Accurso stated that her contribution would go to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund. She also issued a challenge to other wealthy celebrities to step up and make similar donations.
This effort followed the removal of Macklemore as an opening act from Ed Sheeran’s Loop tour dates in the U.S. after the rapper advocated for a Free Palestinian. The situation sparked a wave of solidarity among other support acts who withdrew from the tour.
Accurso has also used other platforms to highlight her concerns
During an appearance on comedian Ilana Glazer’s It’s Open podcast, she questioned why the most famous stars remain silent. She pointed out that those who are essentially uncancellable have a unique opportunity to help. Accurso asked why those stars cannot say something as basic as supporting schools or hospitals in Gaza.
She expressed frustration at the idea that these celebrities will not risk anything to help save lives. Her advocacy remains a significant part of her life as her media empire continues to grow. Accurso currently boasts more than 21 million subscribers on her YouTube channel. She also maintains a significant presence on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Her professional life remains busy with partnerships involving Netflix, Penguin Random House, and Spin Master. Additionally, she has donated roughly $22,500 to Democratic and progressive candidates since the start of 2024. Her past advocacy work includes meeting with families impacted by ICE detentions at facilities like Delaney Hall. These experiences have clearly shaped her current approach to public life.
Whether people agree with her methods or not, Accurso is refusing to stay quiet. She is using her platform to demand more from those who have the power to reach millions. It is a bold stance that shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
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