Children’s YouTube star Ms. Rachel has put $3,000 behind Abdul El-Sayed’s campaign for the U.S. Senate in Michigan, marking another political move by the popular creator that has drawn scrutiny from critics of anti-Israel activism.
Federal Election Commission records dated July 19 list the contribution from Ms. Rachel, whose legal name is Rachel Griffin Accurso. The filing does not make clear whether the money was given as a campaign donation or extended as a loan.
El-Sayed, a progressive Democrat backed by Bernie Sanders, has sharply attacked Israel, calling its government a “rogue state” and accusing it of “genocide.” He has also appeared alongside left-wing streamer Hasan Piker, who has faced backlash over past remarks, including claims that Orthodox Jews are “inbred” and that “America deserved 9/11.”
Accurso’s decision to support El-Sayed has alarmed some conservatives, who argue that her massive platform among young children gives her political choices added significance.
“Abdul El-Sayed and Ms. Rachel are one and the same, forcing their socialist, they/them, anti-America agenda on our children, and parents should be worried when they head to the ballot box,” National Republican Senatorial Committee spokeswoman Samantha Cantrell said.
Sheila Nazarian, a plastic surgeon, Iranian refugee and Netflix “Skin Decision” personality, also criticized the move. “Ms. Rachel’s decision to support Abdul El-Sayed is deeply disappointing, and it raises the question of why someone who built a brand around kindness would lend credibility to antisemitic and hateful rhetoric,” she said.
Accurso did not respond to requests for comment.
The creator has become an outspoken critic of Israel, accusing the Jewish state of committing “genocide” and intentionally killing thousands of children in Gaza. Known online as “Ms. Rachel,” Accurso commands a huge digital audience, with more than 20 million YouTube subscribers and 5 million Instagram followers.
The social media star — a modern-day “Mister Rogers” – previously donated $3,500 to a crew of NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani-backed lefty candidates, who ousted establishment Democrats in party primaries that leaders admit were fueled by anti-Israel furor.
Accurso made to donations to House candidates Darializa Avila Chevalier and Brad Lander ahead of the June 23 primaries.
Her husband, Broadway and “Songs for Littles” music director Aron Accurso, also donated $1,500 to Chevalier.
