Actor Jamie Foxx apologized on Saturday after his Instagram post drew accusations of antisemitism. The post, which has since been deleted, featured a black square with the text “They killed this dude name Jesus … What do you think they’ll do to you???! #fakefriends #fakelove.”
Some social media users interpreted the post as a reference to the antisemitic conspiracy theory that Jews were responsible for the death of Jesus. Foxx denied that he was making an antisemitic statement, saying that he was referring to a “fake friend” who had betrayed him.
“I want to apologize to the Jewish community and everyone who was offended by my post,” Foxx wrote in a new Instagram post. “I now know my choice of words have caused offense and I’m sorry. That was never my intent.”
Foxx’s apology was met with mixed reactions. Some people accepted his apology, while others said that it was not enough. The Anti-Defamation League, a Jewish civil rights organization, said that Foxx’s post was “deeply offensive” and that his apology was “not sufficient.”
The ADL also said that Foxx’s post “perpetuated a dangerous and harmful antisemitic stereotype.” The stereotype that Jews are responsible for the death of Jesus is a common antisemitic trope that has been used to justify violence against Jews for centuries.
Foxx’s apology is a reminder of the importance of being careful about the language we use. Words can have a powerful impact, and they can be used to spread hatred and intolerance. It is important to be aware of the potential consequences of our words, and to use them in a way that is respectful of all people.
