Selma Blair apologizes for Islamophobic comments, participating in 'hate and misinformation'
Selma Blair is apologizing for her "error" in making a since-deleted comment vilifying the religion of Islam.
The "Cruel Intentions" star wrote in a lengthy post on Tuesday that she "mistakenly and inadvertently conflated Muslims with Radical Islamists and fundamentalists, a terrible err in my words, and resulted in hurting countless people I never meant to, and I deeply regret this."
"Hate and misinformation are amplified so easily these days. This time by my own hands," she continued. "In this instance, I erred in my writing and I fully recognize how I contributed to the Muslim community being understandably very upset. I respect and love all peace-loving communities, all over the world."
Blair added that her Muslim friends "helped educate and show me the way" after her comments.
"We cannot allow ignorance and rage to become our downfall," she continued. "I raise my hand in humility and volunteer to break the chain. Those who know me, know that wherever I go, I try to create branches to hold onto, bridges to meet on for all marginalized communities."
Blair concluded: "I apologize to those in the Muslim community who I offended with my words. I apologize to my friends. And I apologize to anyone I hurt. And I will do better."
The "Legally Blonde" actress sparked backlash last week after she commented on a video posted by Syrian Jewish lawyer Abraham Hamra, which called Reps. Cori Bush and Rashida Tlaib "Jew hating antisemites" for voting against legislation to ban Hamas members from immigrating to the United States.
Tlaib posted on her website that the legislation "unnecessary because it is redundant with already existing federal law."
"It’s just another GOP messaging bill being used to incite anti-Arab, anti-Palestinian, and anti-Muslim hatred that makes communities like ours unsafe," she added, something Bush echoed on social media.
Under the post, Blair commented, "Deport all these terrorist supporting goons."
"Islam has destroyed Muslim countries and then they come here and destroy minds. They know they are liars. Twisted justifications. May they meet their fate," she added.
Michael Rapaport commented "Love it" under the same video and Debra Messing added: "THANK YOU."
Blair faced backlash and many compared the response to her comments versus the career repercussions of celebrities who have voiced sympathy for Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas war.
Muslim civil rights and advocacy group the Council on American-Islamic Relations invited Blair to engage in a dialogue about the "hateful and ignorant comments."
"We also call on Hollywood studios and agencies to stop punishing artists who express support for Palestinian human rights while ignoring hateful comments by artists who support the ongoing genocide in Gaza," the group added in a statement.
Melissa Barrera is 'at peace' after being fired from 'Scream 7' over Israel-Hamas posts
Melissa Barrera was fired from "Scream 7" in November after she was critical of Israel and supportive of Palestinians on Instagram. That same month, Susan Sarandon was dropped as a client by United Talent Agency after speaking out at a pro-Palestine rally.
"It's quite something that Selma Blair can be such openly vile and bigoted and basically call for the death of an entire population with impunity but Melissa Barrera cannot share a link to donate to Palestinian refugees without her agency almost dropping her," one person commented on X.
Another person simarly added, "Selma Blair can be so openly racist,vile and genocidal , walk away freely,and still keep getting hired, on the other hand Melissa Barrera will be dropped out by her agency and get prosecuted because oh well,she shared a link to donate to Palestinian refugees!"
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Selma Blair apologizes for Islamophobic comments amid Israel-Hamas war
