Key facts
- Ms Rachel defended her advocacy on Gaza and US immigration detention policies.
- She argued that children's entertainers speaking on political issues is not new, citing Fred Rogers.
- Ms Rachel stated that children do not belong in immigration detention centers.
- She condemned the killing, starvation, and medical neglect of Palestinian children in Gaza.
- Critics have accused Ms Rachel of antisemitism and supporting Hamas.
Children's entertainer Ms Rachel, whose real name is Rachel Accurso, used an appearance on the talk show SubwayTakes to address criticism regarding her advocacy for Palestinian children and her opposition to US immigration detention policies. She argued that speaking out on these issues is not political, drawing a parallel to the legacy of Fred Rogers, the host of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.
Ms Rachel highlighted Rogers' past actions, including sharing a swimming pool with a Black character in a 1969 episode during a time of racial segregation, and his 1969 testimony before the US Senate opposing cuts to public broadcasting. She stated that advocating for children is inherently political and that children do not belong in immigration detention centers, citing research and UN reports on the potential harm caused.