Sunny Hostin’s Daughter Sparks Controversy with Pro-Palestine Post After High School Graduation: “Look at Me Now”

Paloma Hostin, the daughter of TV personality Sunny Hostin, has stirred up controversy online after posting a pro-Palestine message shortly after graduating from Fieldstone, an exclusive New York City high school.

The 18-year-old shared a selfie on Snapchat with the statement, “Now that I got my diploma: From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”

The phrase, which is seen by many as a call for the end of the state of Israel, quickly gained attention and backlash.

The message was perceived by some as crossing the line into antisemitism, sparking a heated debate online.

Paloma, who is headed to Cornell University in the fall, also added a defiant remark in her post:

“And to all the mfs who screenshotted my stories and showed them to your parents trying to get me suspended or expelled, look at me now.”

This led to further criticism from those who viewed her words as inflammatory.

The controversy gained traction after being highlighted by the StopAntisemitism X account, which pointed out the potential implications of Paloma’s words.

Many have argued that the phrase she used refers to the land stretching from the River Jordan to the Mediterranean Sea, a slogan linked to calls for the dissolution of Israel.

In the aftermath, Paloma issued a statement clarifying her position, expressing regret over how her message was interpreted.

“After the elation of graduating from high school, it struck me that we are living in very serious times.

I woke up feeling very heavy about the humanitarian catastrophe in the Middle East.

Both sides have endured unimaginable loss and suffering,” she said.

“Today, my prayers are with everyone affected by these tragedies.”

However, a source close to Paloma revealed that she may not have fully understood the connotations of the phrase “From the river to the sea,” acknowledging that it could be seen as a direct call for the elimination of Israel.

The post has triggered a broader debate on U.S. campuses, where students have become increasingly vocal about the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

With more than 30,000 people killed in Gaza after the Hamas attacks on Israel in October, pro-Palestine rallies have become a flashpoint in the conversation about the legitimacy of certain slogans.

Jewish students across the country have voiced concerns over safety in the wake of the growing pro-Palestinian protests, with some feeling targeted or unsafe as a result of the rhetoric being used by activists.

Despite the controversy, Paloma’s mother, Sunny Hostin, has remained largely silent on the matter, while continuing to support her daughter.

Last year, Sunny shared that Paloma was born with Brown syndrome, a rare condition affecting her eye movement.

She’s been a vocal advocate for her daughter’s educational accommodations, and the two have a close, supportive relationship.

As the family navigates this divisive moment, it highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the impact that public statements can have, especially when tied to high-profile figures.

Paloma’s post continues to spark widespread debate, raising questions about free speech, campus activism, and the intersection of personal beliefs and public perceptions.