Jamie Foxx Issues Apology After Accusations of Antisemitism
Actor Jamie Foxx has issued an apology following a social media post that drew accusations of antisemitism. The post, which was shared on Foxx’s Instagram account, read: “They killed this dude name Jesus… what do you think they’ll do to you???! #fakefriends #fakelove.” However, many users asserted that the post perpetuated the hateful belief that Jewish people collectively crucified and killed Jesus Christ.
This belief has been used to justify violence against Jews for centuries, including during the Holocaust, where 6 million Jews were murdered in Europe by the Nazis. In 1965, the worldwide Roman Catholic church officially condemned the idea that Jews were collectively responsible for Christ’s killing.
Foxx, 55, deleted the post and published a new apology on Instagram, clarifying that his words were directed at a “fake friend” who had betrayed him. “I want to apologize to the Jewish community and everyone who was offended by my post,” Foxx’s statement said. “I now know my choice of words [has] caused offense and I’m sorry. That was never my intent. To clarify, I was betrayed by a fake friend, and that’s what I meant with ‘they,’ not anything more.” Foxx expressed love and support for everyone, including the Jewish community, and offered his deepest apologies.
Foxx’s Instagram controversy also implicated actress Jennifer Aniston, who had liked Foxx’s deleted post. Aniston released her own statement condemning antisemitism, stating that she did not support the post and does not tolerate hate of any kind.
Despite the controversy, Foxx received supportive comments in response to his apology. Music producer Breyon Prescott affirmed that Foxx has no hate for anyone, while actor Porscha Coleman noted that people have become overly sensitive and misunderstood Foxx’s intentions.
Users also pointed out Foxx’s prior displays of solidarity with the Jewish community, including his performances at barmitzvah-themed events for singer Drake and a Jewish fan.
This Instagram uproar follows Foxx’s recent revelation about a hospitalization earlier this year for an unspecified health issue. In a video, Foxx thanked those who supported him and dismissed speculation that he was paralyzed or blind, stating that he is recovering and looking forward to returning to work.
Foxx, known for his Academy Award-winning portrayal of Ray Charles in the film “Ray,” recently starred in the Netflix comedy “They Cloned Tyrone” alongside John Boyega. He was also filming the Netflix comedy “Back in Action” with Cameron Diaz before falling ill in April.
This incident serves as a reminder of the impact of social media and the importance of carefully choosing words and being aware of their potential implications.