Kaia Gerber has taken the opportunity to clarify her involvement in Gal Gadot’s much-discussed cover of John Lennon’s “Imagine,” which gained notoriety during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. In a recent interview on KISS UK’s programme “Do Not Disturb,” the 24-year-old model and actress revealed that she initially believed she was participating in a birthday tribute rather than a public video featuring numerous celebrities.
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Gerber explained that she was approached by a friend who had been asked to create a special video. She recounted, “Basically, my friend, during the pandemic, said, ‘Hey, my friend asked me to make a video, will you be in it?’ I didn’t ask any questions.” At the time, Gerber thought the project was merely a fun surprise for someone special, remarking, “I thought it was for someone’s birthday, and I said, ‘Sure.’”
Reflecting on the experience, Gerber shared her surprise when she later realised that the clip, which included notable personalities like Cara Delevingne and Ashley Benson, was widely circulated online. “What was the song? ‘Imagine’ by John Lennon. And then about a week later, a video gets released of all these famous people singing along to ‘Imagine.’ And I go, ‘What a weird coincidence. I wonder if this song is having a comeback,’” she recounted.
In a moment of humour, she added, “I just did a birthday video singing ‘Imagine.’ And then I’m about a minute into the video, and there I go. There I am.” Gerber noted the irony that this project became a point of contention for many, stating, “It was my first credit on my IMDb… I’ve accepted it. We’re moving past it, but I would just like to clear the air that I did not know. I thought I was making a video for someone’s birthday.”
The original video, which was released in March 2020, showcased celebrities singing segments of “Imagine” in an effort to spread a message of solidarity and hope during the pandemic. The montage featured various stars, including Natalie Portman, Jimmy Fallon, Sia, and Will Ferrell, each contributing a line to the iconic song.
Despite the good intentions behind the video, it sparked significant backlash online. Many critics argued that instead of creating a video, these celebrities should focus on donating to charitable causes supporting COVID-19 relief efforts. The disconnect between the message and the reality faced by many during the pandemic left some feeling frustrated.
In the wake of the criticism, Gal Gadot, the video’s creator, addressed the negative feedback in an interview with Vanity Fair. She stated that her intentions had been purely benevolent, saying, “Sometimes, you know, you try and do a good deed, and it’s just not the right good deed.” Gadot emphasised the collaborative nature of the project, revealing that it began with her and subsequently involved a wider circle of friends.
Later, in 2022, Gadot reflected further on the timing of the video. She acknowledged that while it stemmed from a place of genuine goodwill, it had not landed as intended, recognising that “it wasn’t the right timing” for such a public display.
Gerber’s comments provide insight into her unexpected involvement in the viral moment, illustrating the complexities and nuances of celebrity culture during a time of crisis. While she did not anticipate the furore surrounding the video, her candidness about her initial misunderstanding offers a different perspective on the controversy.
As the entertainment industry continues to navigate the implications of celebrity influence, Gerber’s clarifications serve as a reminder of the often unpredictable reactions to public gestures, particularly in trying times. The conversations surrounding the “Imagine” cover highlight how intentions can sometimes become overshadowed by public perception and expectations.