Singapore influencer Novita Lam drew attention online after posting an Instagram Story featuring a pun about the ongoing Middle East conflict. In the Story, she shared a video of herself running with on-screen text that read:
- “Iran this. Israel that.”
- “I RAN 5km and the pain IS REAL.”
The wordplay replaced “I ran” and “is real” with the names of countries while describing her workout. While Lam likely intended it as a lighthearted fitness joke, Reddit users reacted strongly to the timing, considering the conflict in the Middle East.
Reddit Users Call Out Insensitivity
A thread titled “Influencer Novita Lam ‘Iran this, Israel that’ Is this acceptable?” quickly gained attention. Though the original post was later removed, discussions and comments remain visible, with opinions divided.
Some Reddit users criticised her tone.
One wrote, “There are fellow Singaporeans who are stuck there and she gives such comments… The locals there in a war zone. Quite insensitive of her.”
Another added, “Shouldn’t be joking like that on a public platform.”
Several users also highlighted the responsibility influencers carry due to their wide reach.
One comment stated, “Influencers, given their influence on our society, can really use some class and maturity.”
Others Defend the Joke
Not everyone agreed that Lam’s pun was inappropriate. Some Redditors argued it was just a harmless wordplay. One comment read, “Not gonna lie it’s funny though.”
Another user said, “Why not. People free to be flippant. OP free to virtue signal and attempt cancel culture.”
As the thread continues to circulate, netizens remain split. Some see the joke as crossing a line, while others view it as an innocent pun taken too seriously.
The Apology
Ms Lam has posted an apology on her Instagram story, saying sorry for her “insensitive and hurtful” post.
She explained, “I removed it as soon as I realised my mistake,” and added that she will try to be “more mindful moving forward.”
