Julianna Margulies apologizes for calling Black, LGBTQIA+ supporters of Palestinians antisemitic

Last updated: December 2, 2023 8:41 AM

2 Min Read

Emmy-winning actress Julianna Margulies recently found herself in hot water after making controversial comments that offended the LGBTQIA+ and Black communities.

In an interview on The Back Room with Andy Ostroy podcast, Margulies suggested that the Black community may have been “brainwashed to hate Jews.” Understandably, her remarks sparked outrage and backlash online.

To provide some context, Margulies made the controversial comment in response to the podcast host’s claim that “people hate Jews” and the perceived prevalence of antisemitism. While attempting to make a point about the seriousness of the issue, Margulies used problematic language that perpetuated stereotypes.

listen to julianna margulies go on an absolutely unhinged rant against black people for supporting palestine, claiming muslims would play soccer ball with the decapitated heads of black queer people if they could, and saying she knows better as someone who played a lesbian on tv. https://t.co/IhoKvLdU85 pic.twitter.com/OJZAzxDrA2
— سماح (@samah_fadil) November 30, 2023

However, Margulies quickly realized the insensitivity of her words and issued a heartfelt apology to Deadline. She clarified that racism, homophobia, sexism, and any form of prejudice go against her core values.

“I am horrified by the fact that statements I made on a recent podcast offended the Black and LGBTQIA+ communities, communities I truly love and respect. I want to be 100% clear: Racism, homophobia, sexism, or any prejudice against anyone’s personal beliefs or identity are abhorrent to me, full stop. Throughout my career I have worked tirelessly to combat hate of all kind, end antisemitism, speak out against terrorist groups like Hamas, and forge a united front against discrimination. I did not intend for my words to sow further division, for which I am sincerely apologetic.”

Although the episode was initially published on November 20, it wasn’t until November 30 that her comments went viral. Andy Ostroy, the host and widower of Waitress film director Adrienne Shelly, has yet to address the criticism directed towards Margulies.

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