Guy Pearce has said he is “deeply sorry” for sharing controversial posts which contained “misinformation and falsehoods” about Israelis and the country’s conflict with Palestine.
“It has been brought to my attention that, in my support of Palestine, I have inadvertently re-posted articles, and/or statements, that have contained misinformation and falsehoods,” the Australian actor, 58, who was nominated for an Oscar this year for The Brutalist, told Jewish News.
“I am aware how sharing inaccurate content can cause confusion and distress; for this I am deeply sorry. I will certainly endeavour to be more diligent in future to verify anything I share online.”
Over the weekend, after facing a wave of backlash, the father-of-one doubled down on his apology and announced he was quitting social media.
“Earlier this week, I issued an apology for sharing misleading and inaccurate posts and commentary on social media,” Pearce tweeted on Saturday.
“I meant every word of that apology but I recognise that meaningful action must accompany any apology. To prevent any further hurt, confusion or damage to others, I will be stepping back from social media for the time being.”
The furore comes after the Memento actor expressed his “disgust” with Israel in a now-deleted tweet that was shared on November 21.
“I’ve never been so disgusted by a group of people in my life as I am by Israelis,” the post said.
“Every day, I witness their utter disregard and disdain for Palestinian life. It is shameful and sets humanity further backwards with every vile act like this.”
Pearce also shared content from white supremacist Nick Fuentes, posted material that blamed Israel for the 9/11 terrorist attacks and accused Israeli officials of orchestrating the assassination of Charlie Kirk, according to Jewish News.
“Well, celebrities don’t come much stupider in my opinion than Guy Pearce…,” Dean said on Outsiders on November 23.
“If you happen to be investing in any of his films, I would pull the plug immediately. The guy is an embarrassment to this country.”
The Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) said Pearce has a “track record” of amplifying antisemitic material, but that his apology is a “step in the right direction”.
“Guy Pearce has a long track record of amplifying material that pushes some of the most toxic antisemitic conspiracies. His posts have not been harmless activism; they have spread ideas that sit firmly within the canon of classic antisemitism,” a CAA spokesperson said.
“His apology is a step in the right direction, and it is right that he acknowledges the damage that misinformation can cause.
“But apologies are easy to give after the fact. What matters now is whether he genuinely changes his behaviour and stops promoting this kind of content.”