Mahershala Ali said he was mistaken for a terrorist post-9/11. (Peggy Sirota/GQ)
Actor Mahershala Ali is being celebrated for his appearance on GQ’s newest issue, which hails the Muslim star as a “great American.”
Ali’s star has risen as he went from being known as a supporting character on “House of Cards” to an Oscar winner for his turn in “Moonlight.” As a result, fans have been ogling his new photo spread, hailing it as a political moment and applauding his charming good looks — which GQ described as “vivid and dashing.”
The symbolism of a Muslim actor, who was targeted post-9/11 as a terrorist, wasn’t lost on one Twitter user.
Our American issue has a black Muslim cover star… ✊🏿 https://t.co/obuacNK7Ym
— Mark Anthony Green (@Mark_A_Green) June 19, 2017
Many more simply were in awe of his beauty.
it's just not even fair honestly pic.twitter.com/DcHlbqbmDa
— Hannah Giorgis (@ethiopienne) June 19, 2017
https://twitter.com/LadyOnTheMuna2/status/876776076709580801
https://twitter.com/kristinamonllos/status/876772357263822848
Such beauty to wake up to! https://t.co/YyftTjrFVI
— Rebecca Theodore-Vachon (@FilmFatale_NYC) June 19, 2017
https://twitter.com/hunteryharris/status/876778274868932608