CNN –
Julianna Margulies has apologized after her recent comments on a podcast sparked controversy.
In comments she made on an episode of the “Back Room with Andy Ostroy” podcast last month, the actress expressed criticism of certain marginalized communities, including for their lack of support for Jews. The conversation between Margulies and Ostroy – both Jews – was sparked by the Israel-Hamas war and the rise of anti-Semitism in that country since the war began.
In a statement emailed to CNN through a representative on Friday, Margulies said she was “appalled” that her comments “insulted the Black and LGBTQIA+ communities, communities that I truly love and respect.” “
“I want to make it 100% clear: racism, homophobia, sexism, or any prejudice against others’ personal beliefs or identities are abhorrent to me, period,” she continued. “Throughout my career, I have worked tirelessly to combat hatred of all kinds, end anti-Semitism, speak out against terrorist groups like Hamas, and forge a united front against discrimination. I did not intend my words to sow further division, for which I sincerely apologize.”
Susan Sarandon also apologized in this regard on Friday to a comment she made at a pro-Palestinian rally in New York City last month.
A video captured by the New York Post from a Nov. 17 rally showed Sarandon telling the crowd: “There are a lot of people who are afraid, afraid of being Jewish at this time and who have a glimpse of it get what it feels like. “Be Muslims in this country.”
Sarandon wrote in a social media post this week that the “phrasing” she chose was “a terrible mistake because it implies that Jews were, until recently, alien to persecution, when the opposite is true,” she said also that she deeply regrets “diluting this reality and hurting people” with her comment.
“It was my intention to show solidarity in the fight against bigotry of all kinds, and I am sorry that I failed to do so.”