An apology from actress Selma Blair came on Instagram Tuesday evening.
On Monday, I wrote a post about Selma Blair’s strongly worded pro-Israel comment on an Instagram post that was not hers. She left a comment on a post about the no votes of Reps. Rashida Tlaib and Cori Bush on a bill that would prevent Hamas members from entering the United States. I wrote that I hoped she would remain strong as she was blasted on social media by pro-Hamas supporters. She deleted the comment. I hoped she would not also issue an apology.
And, just like that, she apologized on her Instagram account.
“This is a time of great pain and anguish for many around the world, but it is also a time to learn and better understand how words matter. I commented on a post by Abraham Hamra regarding two congress members who are against banning October 7th Hamas terrorists from entering the USA. In my comment, I 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. As soon as my error was brought to my attention, I deleted the comment. Hate and misinformation are amplified so easily these days. This time by my own hands. 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. It was my Muslim friends who helped educate and show me the way. I am committed to paying forward their love and understanding. We cannot allow ignorance and rage to becomes our downfall. 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. I am dedicated to tolerance and peace for all who want it – not hate. 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. With appreciation, love and respect. Selma”
How disappointing. She allowed people who called her a “raging Islamaphobic bigot” to convince her that she was ignorant in her opinion. What she said originally was not hateful or Islamophobic. “Deport all these terrorist-supporting goons. Islam has destroyed Muslim countries and they come here and destroy minds.” What did she say that was wrong?
Blair is Jewish and has a history of standing up for Israel. In May 2021, I wrote that she was one of the people in the entertainment industry who wrote a letter calling for an end to biased, one-sided reporting about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that was raging at that time.
Blair is an advocate for multiple sclerosis. She was diagnosed with the disease in 2018. She was at the White House at the invitation of Biden to join in a ceremony to celebrate the Americans with Disabilities Act just days before the October 7, 2023 massacres. She has been featured on recent magazine covers as an advocate for others.
Celebrities Michael Rapaport and Debra Messing commented on the Instagram post, too, but they did not delete their comments and have not apologized.
As could be predicted, she is receiving support from some commenters on her apology but for others, it is not enough. Commenters are saying it is a fake apology. Whatever. For some radicals, nothing is enough. The lesson is don’t apologize for expressing opinions. It never satisfies those who support the commenter or those determined to cancel the commenter. It’s a no-win situation.