Actor Jamie Foxx expressed his regret to the Jewish community on Saturday, August 5th, following accusations that a cryptic Instagram post concerning “false companions” inadvertently propagated antisemitism.
In a post that has since been removed, Foxx wrote: “THEY TOOK THE LIFE OF THIS INDIVIDUAL NAMED JESUS… WHAT DO YOU THINK THEY MIGHT DO TO YOU???! #phonybuddies #fraudulentaffection.”
The reason behind the post’s creation remains unclear.
A newsletter called A Wider Frame, aiming to provide a more comprehensive comprehension of worldwide Jewish news, shared Foxx’s initial post and characterized it as “appallingly antisemitic.” Following the backlash she received for seemingly approving of Foxx’s post, actress Jennifer Aniston reposted A Wider Frame’s content.
“This truly sickens me,” Aniston conveyed through an Instagram Story.I did not deliberately or inadvertently express appreciation for this post.. Furthermore, I want to make it unequivocally clear to my friends and anyone harmed by this content appearing on their feed — I do NOT endorse any form of antisemitism. I firmly stand against all forms of HATE. Period.”
Foxx, currently recuperating after an undisclosed medical crisis, clarified that his post was directed at a “counterfeit friend” who had betrayed him.
“By ‘they,’ I meant precisely that and nothing more,” he clarified. “I carry nothing but affection in my heart for everyone. I hold profound respect and stand with the Jewish community. I extend my most sincere apologies to anyone who felt offended.”
Numerous individuals rallied to Foxx’s defense, asserting that the message referenced a phrase frequently employed within the Black community.
“Any individual of African descent who grew up in the southern United States would attest that Jamie Foxx was not referring to the Jewish community. ‘They took/defamed/talked ill of Jesus’ simply conveys ‘If Jesus could be deceived, so could you.’ He genuinely referred to insincere companions and individuals. The haste to misinterpret is preposterous,” one Twitter user expressed.
“Jamie Foxx is a person of integrity, and hence he offered an apology for possibly causing distress. Nevertheless, it was unmistakably misconstrued in the most unaware manner possible. Was the ‘phony friends’ hashtag solely visible to a subset of individuals?” another tweet posed.
After reading Jamie Foxx’s initial message, one individual tweeted, “I pondered over what deceitful friends might have perpetrated against Jamie Foxx. That’s all.”
