Harry Styles addresses ICE shooting in New York with call for ‘dignity and justice’

Harry Styles paused his concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Saturday to address the shooting of a Dominican immigrant by federal immigration agents, urging fans to show compassion toward people from different backgrounds and calling for "dignity" and "justice." The British pop star addressed the crowd after referencing Oscar Belgal, a 28-year-old man who was shot by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers Thursday while his 5-year-old son was sitting in the back seat of his car.

"I just want us to take a moment to think about Oscar Belgal tonight, and I want us to think and remember to just look after each other," Styles said .

"So, please, continue looking after each other," he continued.

"And remember, your friends, the people you love, the people who don't look like you and aren't born where you're from, they deserve respect, and love, and dignity and justice." PARAMORE'S HAYLEY WILLIAMS LAUNCHES VULGAR TIRADE AT DHS AFTER AGENCY DEFENDS ICE OFFICERS The remarks prompted criticism from film critic and commentator Christian Toto, who told Fox News Digital that speaking out against ICE has become a way for celebrities to gain approval within the entertainment industry.

"This is the new black square on Instagram — speaking out on ICE gets you respect within your artistic community and endless positive press," Toto said.

"I think the mainstream media has far more impact on public opinion.

Social media does, too.

Celebrities weighing in on matters like this? I suspect it doesn't move the needle at all.

We view the stars as detached from our day-to-day lives, so we may agree with them on hot-button issues but they're not winning any converts." He suggested that entertainers face pressure within Hollywood to embrace political causes, while those who remain silent may be better positioned to avoid alienating fans.

"There's an expectation within celebrity circles to embrace the cause du jour.

The benefits are clear, and they're never held responsible when history doesn't align with their views.

I suspect the stars who don't speak out at all fare best with their fans," Toto said.

OLIVIA WILDE BREAKS SILENCE ON HARRY STYLES FANS AND THEIR BRUTAL REACTION TO THEIR 10-YEAR AGE GAP ROMANCE Styles' comments came as the shooting of Belgal sparked protests and criticism from New York officials, including Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Belgal was shot after allegedly refusing to comply with officers conducting a targeted arrest operation, Fox News Digital reported.