- Aaron Sorkin fired Maha Dakhil over her comments on the Hamas attack
- The social network’s screenwriter said Dakhil “is not an anti-Semite, she is simply wrong.”
- Despite Dakhil’s apology, he plans to return to rival talent agency WME
Screenwriter Aaron Sorkin has fired and slammed his CAA talent agent after she shared a post on Instagram calling Israel’s retaliation against Gaza a “genocide.”
The author of “Social Network” and “The West Wing” has fired co-head of film Maha Dakhil following comments she made on social media following the Hamas attack on Israel.
Sorkin said Dakhil is “not anti-Semitic, she’s just wrong” about her post.
Dakhil, who also represents the likes of Tom Cruise, Reese Witherspoon and Natalie Portman, reposted an image last week from a pro-Palestinian account that said: “You’re about to find out who supports genocide.”
She added her own caption, which read: “What is more heartbreaking than witnessing genocide?” “I am witnessing the denial that genocide is taking place.”
After Dakhil came under fire, she deleted the post, apologized for the comments and resigned from the CAA’s internal board and her role.
Author Aaron Sorkin blasted CAA talent agent Maha Dakhil over comments in which she called Israel’s retaliation against Gaza “genocide.”
Dakhil apologized for the post, deleted it and resigned from her role on the Creative Artists Agency’s internal board after sharing an inflammatory post about the war between Israel and Hamas
That wasn’t enough for Sorkin, he fired Dakhil and announced that he would return to rival agency WME.
He told the Hollywood Reporter: “Maha is not anti-Semitic, she is just wrong.” She is a great agent and I am very proud of the work we have done together over the last six years. “I look forward to returning to WME.”
Sorkin is known for his shows that portray a idolized version of politics and current events, often with a strong liberal influence. He has been with CAA since 2017 after leaving WME.
CAA was among many Hollywood agencies to issue a statement of solidarity with Israel following the October 7 Hamas attacks that killed 1,400 people.
According to the state’s Ministry of Health, more than 3,000 people have been killed in Israel’s retaliatory strikes on Gaza.
In her apology, she said: “I made a mistake with a repost on my Instagram story that used hurtful language.”
“Like so many of us, I have suffered from heartbreak. I am proud to stand on the side of humanity and peace.
“I am very grateful to Jewish friends and colleagues who pointed out the effects and educated me.” I immediately deleted the repost. I’m sorry for the pain I’ve caused.’
Dakhil represents a number of big names, including Jewish actress Natalie Portman
Dakhil has stepped down from CAA’s internal board, but continues to work with her clients, which include Madonna
The talent agent also works with Tom Cruise and Reese Witherspoon
Amid the anger, Dakhil reportedly tried to organize a meeting with some of her Jewish colleagues to make further statements and apologize, but several of the colleagues were so angry that they refused to attend, a source told The Ankler.
Dakhil again addressed her comments on Instagram and said, “Word choice is important.” Dialogue is healing. With each busy day, I listen to my friends and learn more from them. Thank you very much.’
“I join in my prayers to all of our families… I mourn for everyone who is suffering right now.” I continue to mourn for all innocent lives. “My mission is peace.”
Dakhil also works as an agent for Madonna, Anne Hathaway and Steven Spielberg and has signed with former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s production company Higher Ground.