The actor has been criticised on social media following his public apology
The American actor Mark Ruffalo has sparked backlash after apologising for social media posts that suggested Israel is committing “genocide.”
During the course of the violent attacks in Gaza and Israel, Ruffalo took to Twitter to publicly show his support for Palestine.
In a tweet earlier this month, the actor said: “1500 Palestinians face expulsion in #Jerusalem. 200 protesters have been injured. 9 children have been killed. Sanctions on South Africa helped free its black people – it’s time for sanctions on Israel to free Palestinians. Join the call. #SheikhJarrah.”
1500 Palestinians face expulsion in #Jerusalem. 200 protesters have been injured. 9 children have been killed. Sanctions on South Africa helped free its black people – it’s time for sanctions on Israel to free Palestinians. Join the call. #SheikhJarrah https://t.co/f9R6LYljez
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) May 11, 2021
However, the actor has today apologised for his previous tweet, calling it “inflammatory.”
He said in a Twitter post this morning: “I have reflected & wanted to apologize for posts during the recent Israel/Hamas fighting that suggested Israel is committing “genocide”. It’s not accurate, it’s inflammatory, disrespectful & is being used to justify antisemitism here & abroad. Now is the time to avoid hyperbole.”
I have reflected & wanted to apologize for posts during the recent Israel/Hamas fighting that suggested Israel is committing “genocide”. It’s not accurate, it’s inflammatory, disrespectful & is being used to justify antisemitism here & abroad. Now is the time to avoid hyperbole.
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) May 25, 2021
However, many of Ruffalo’s followers have criticised the actor for apologising.
you know what’s inflammatory? dropping bombs on civilians (with no way out) killing 200+ including 66 children buried in rubble with thousands injured in 11 days. but yeah, let’s apologize for calling a spade a spade.
— Nader 🍉 (@BonsaiSky) May 25, 2021
well done on throwing Palestinians under the bus and for also framing the onslaught as Israel vs Hamas, when it’s been 73 years of this shit prior to the existence of a group revolting against Israeli blockade, occupation and apartheid
— Jennine (@jennineak) May 25, 2021
However, some praised the actor for reflecting and sharing his views.
That's a very positive statement. It is hyperbole. But I think, more importantly, it speaks very well of you to be able to and say of something, I shouldn't have said that. That's much harder to do than most people think. I have a lot of respect for anyone who does that.
— Hussein Ibish (@Ibishblog) May 25, 2021