• Is DJ Khaled’s silence on Palestine influenced by his record label or is it a personal choice in its entirety? Others from UMG have spoken up about Palestine.
• We are reminded of how this world holds little significance to Allah (swt) and, consequently, should hold little significance for us as well.
Khaled Mohamed Khaled, known as DJ Khaled, was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, home to a large Palestinian-American community, though he grew up in Florida. His father hails from Mazra’a ash-Sharqiya, and his mother from Ramallah.
For nearly twenty years, Khaled has maintained a strong presence in the mainstream. However, over the course of the past year, he has faced significant backlash for his silence on the ongoing genocide taking place in Palestine.
Memes mocking him circulated online. Many were outraged by his silence on the issue, especially given his significant reach and his own Palestinian descent.
However, one particularly notable moment came with a viral video from February 2024. The clip showed Khaled being carried by his security guards—at his own request—to protect his unreleased limited edition Air Jordans. Social media erupted with disapproval, with some going as far as saying they “disowned” him as a Palestinian.
This was exacerbated by another recent video in which Khaled demands that his jet be cleaned daily to ensure it is “glossing nonstop.” In stark contrast, displaced Palestinians in Gaza walk barefoot through makeshift tents, searching for water amidst dire conditions. “Tone deaf” doesn’t even begin to describe Khaled’s behaviour.
In a recent interview, Khaled’s cousin, DJ Fadie (Fadie Musallat), shared that he had recently cut ties with Khaled over his silence on Palestine: “There’s no excuse when you’re actually a Palestinian. My mother lives there; we’re from the same village, same family. There’s no excuse.”
Actor and comedian D.L. Hughley also weighed in, criticising Khaled and referencing the Air Jordans video. “We’re used to Palestinians being carried. They’re just not alive. They’re dead and they don’t have shoes, they don’t even have feet,” Hughley said. He then added, “You’ve gone from DJ Khaled to DJ Callous.”
Is DJ Khaled’s silence tied to his record label?
We the Best, DJ Khaled’s record label is owned by Universal Music Group (UMG). Interestingly, UMG’s leadership includes some of Israel’s staunchest supporters.
Caroline Grainge and UMG CEO Lucian Charles Grainge
We the Best, DJ Khaled’s record label is owned by Universal Music Group (UMG). Interestingly, UMG’s leadership includes some of Israel’s staunchest supporters.
Caroline Grainge, wife of UMG CEO Lucian Charles Grainge, funds the Zionist Federation and other pro-Israel groups, while Lucian himself supports the Friends of the IDF charity.
Haim Saban
Haim Saban, the billionaire media mogul and executive director of UMG is a former IDF soldier and the largest fundraiser in the history of the Friends of the IDF. He is credited with writing parts of President Biden’s policy on Israel and the IDF.
Is DJ Khaled’s silence on Palestine due to his record label’s pro-Israel ties, or is there more to it?
Khaled has not shied away from using his Arab identity when it benefits him, from hit songs such as “Arab Money” to social media posts featuring traditional dishes such as maklouba and knafeh. His silence on Palestine is glaring. Many celebrities assert that they choose to refrain from discussing politics. However, Khaled has not previously turned his back on discussing political matters or matters which impact society. In a segment on ABC in 2016, he was featured discussing Trump.
Billie Eilish
Eilish is signed to Interscope Records, which is a part of Universal Music Group. She was seen at the Oscars in 2024, wearing a “ceasefire now” pin:
She also waved a Palestine flag at one of her concerts:
John Legend
John Legend is signed to Republic Records which is also under Universal Music Group. Legend has previously shown strong support for Palestine and continues to do so today.
It remains unclear whether Universal Records has instructed DJ Khaled to remain silent regarding the situation in Palestine due to his identity as a Muslim and Palestinian. Either way, his decision stems from his own choice. Regardless, it is disheartening that he has opted for silence, seemingly prioritising financial interests over the greatest humanitarian issue we have witnessed in our lives.
Yahoo finance report that DJ Khaled’s net worth was $75 Million in 2023. Consequently, even if speaking out about Palestine were to affect his career (which is fundamentally un-islamic to begin with) it is not as if he would go hungry or face financial hardship.
The Qur’an emphasises the transient nature of this world and the importance of prioritising the hereafter
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:86:
“And those are the ones who have purchased the worldly life at the price of the Hereafter, so the punishment will not be lightened for them, nor will they be aided.”
Surah Al-Hadid 57:20:
“Know that the worldly life is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting among yourselves and competition in increase of wealth and children. Like the example of a rain whose [plant growth] pleases the tiller; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes scattered debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.”
This world holds little significance to Allah (swt) and, consequently, should hold little significance for us as well. May Allah guide the brother and keep us all steadfast on the Sirat al-Mustaqeem.
