Japanese actor Mackenyu Maeda – widely known for playing swordsman Roronoa Zoro in Netflix’s One Piece live-action series – is facing major backlash after a recent Instagram photo went viral. The image, taken during a Netflix event, features Mackenyu standing with Stranger Things actor Noah Schnapp, who has become a controversial figure online for his outspoken support of Zionist views amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.
The timing of the photo and the person he posed with have drawn severe criticism from fans, especially those who support the Palestinian cause. Adding fuel to the fire, users observed that many replies criticizing the post – particularly those calling for Mackenyu to delete the image or donate to Gaza – were hidden from public view.
Social Media Eruption and Hidden Replies
The photo immediately became a point of contention across social media platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). While some praised the celebrity meetup, a large number of fans expressed anger and disappointment. Many were shocked that Mackenyu, the face of a character known for defending justice and standing against tyranny, would willingly pose with someone who has publicly backed Zionist rhetoric.
Screenshots of hidden replies circulated quickly. One user’s hidden comment read, “HELL NO, GET AWAY FROM THE ZIONIST.” Another pleaded, “Please donate to Gaza instead of taking pictures with people supporting apartheid.”
The backlash was not just about the photo itself – it was about what fans perceived as an attempt to suppress dissent. Users began reposting Gaza donation links and infographics in the replies, only to see them disappear from visibility, further enraging the online community.
Fans Are Saying: “This Is Not What Zoro Would Do”
A recurring theme in the outrage was the stark contrast between Mackenyu’s real-life actions and the ideals of the character he portrays – Roronoa Zoro. In the One Piece universe, Zoro is known for unwavering loyalty, standing up for the oppressed, and fighting injustice without compromise.
Fans cited specific story arcs from the anime and manga – especially the Alabasta arc, which draws parallels to real-world occupation and resistance. They argued that Zoro, if real, would never align himself with someone who defends policies resulting in civilian casualties and humanitarian crises.
Comments such as, “Zoro would stand with the oppressed, not this,” and “You play a character who fights dictators, and you’re standing next to someone who cheers them on,” became common among One Piece fandom circles.
The Netflix crossover 🔥 pic.twitter.com/LxHvaMIJuC
— Mackenyu (@Mackenyu1116) May 31, 2025
Calls for Reparations and Gaza Support
As the criticism intensified, fans began urging Mackenyu to take action – not just by removing the photo, but by using his platform to help those in need. Dozens of users shared donation links to reputable Gaza aid groups, calling on the actor to contribute publicly as a gesture of goodwill.
Some referenced other celebrities who have quietly donated to Gaza in the past year, suggesting that Mackenyu could repair the damage by doing something meaningful with his influence.
Despite the loud public outcry, Mackenyu has yet to make a public statement addressing the controversy. This silence has only fueled further speculation and frustration, with fans interpreting it as indifference or avoidance.
A Bigger Conversation on Celebrity Responsibility
This incident underscores a larger, ongoing debate around celebrity responsibility in global conflicts. As political tensions flare around the world, especially regarding Israel and Palestine, fans increasingly expect public figures to use their visibility to support ethical causes.
In this case, the association with someone seen as a supporter of Zionism – and the removal of comments related to Palestine – turned what might have been a harmless event photo into a lightning rod for criticism.
Fans aren’t merely upset about the optics – they’re reacting to what feels like a betrayal of values. For many, One Piece isn’t just an anime. It’s a story about rebellion, justice, and loyalty to the marginalized. And when the actor behind one of its most beloved heroes appears to ignore those principles, the fallout is swift and emotional.
Mackenyu’s Instagram photo with Noah Schnapp – posted without apparent awareness of the political weight – has ignited a firestorm of backlash from One Piece fans around the world. While the photo may have been a simple celebrity moment at a Netflix event, the context surrounding it has made it anything but.
Fans believe that Mackenyu, as the face of Zoro, carries a responsibility to uphold the values the character represents. Hiding replies calling for Palestinian support and standing with someone associated with anti-Palestinian rhetoric is, in their eyes, completely antithetical to Zoro’s core beliefs.
Whether Mackenyu will address the controversy or take public action remains to be seen. But one thing is clear – in today’s world, silence and censorship are no longer neutral choices.
