A host of celebrities, friends, and fans have come to the defense of Jamie Foxx after he apologized for a controversial Instagram post.
The 55-year-old comedian, who recently praised his sister for taking care of him after his health issue, took to Instagram last week to share an emotional message that read: “They killed this guy named Jesus…what do you think are they going to do you???!’
The hashtags #fakefriends and #fakelove followed, and was interpreted by some as anti-Semitic.
Jennifer Aniston, who seemed to have taken a liking to the post, quickly created a post of her own to distance herself from the perceived contention. Foxx followed up with a statement making it clear that she did not have the Jewish community in mind when she posted the note.
Now, a number of stars, including model Winnie Harlow, comedian Jay Pharoah and rapper Waka Flocka, have spoken out in support of Foxx.
Supportive: A host of celebrities, friends, and fans came to the defense of Jamie Foxx after he apologized for a controversial Instagram post.
Speaking: Winnie Harlow and Jay Pharoah reacted to Foxx’s apology Harlow thought it was “very clear” what he meant, while Pharoah thought he was forced to apologize.
Jennifer’s take: The Friends star confusingly said she disliked the post ‘on purpose or by accident’
Jamie tried to rectify the situation when he shared a second post that read: “I want to apologize to the Jewish community and everyone who was offended by my post.” I now know that my choice words have caused offense and I am sorry. That was never my intention.
“To clarify, I was betrayed by a fake friend and that’s what I meant by ‘them’, nothing more,” he explained.
‘I only have love in my heart for everyone. I love and support the Jewish community. My sincere apologies to anyone who has been offended. Nothing but love always, Jamie Foxx’, the message ended.
For Harlow, the confusion over Foxx’s post was perplexing.
“I’m so confused…it’s so clear what you were saying,” she commented on her apology.
Many believe the distinguished actor was pressured into issuing an unwarranted apology.
Pharoah wrote on Twitter: “When you have to apologize for the truth, your voice is the minority.”
Kenya Barris said: ‘I love you brother! Waiting for you! while Waka tweeted: ‘This is so good.’
Meanwhile, Anti-Defamation League National Director and CEO Jonathan Greenblatt tweeted to thank Jamie for his apology.
‘We appreciate @iamjamiefoxx’s apology and thank you for your clarification. Also, we wish him the best as he recovers from his earlier hospitalization,” she wrote online.
One support person on Twitter confidently said: “Any black person growing up in the South will tell you that Jamie Foxx was not referring to Jews.”
It was added that Foxx simply meant, “If Jesus can be betrayed, so can you.”
‘He really meant fake friends/fake people. It’s so fast to catch up it’s ridiculous,’ commented user @Nine2x.
One person attributed the misunderstanding to colloquialism.
Passionate: Several stars, including model Winnie Harlow, rapper Waka Flocka and comedian Jay Pharoah, have spoken out in support of Foxx.
Unwarranted apology accepted: National Director and CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, Jonathan Greenblatt, tweeted to thank Jamie for his apology.
Association: Jennifer Aniston, who seemed to have taken a liking to the post, quickly created a post of her own to distance herself from perceived contention
Explanation: One person confidently said: ‘Jamie Foxx was not referring to the Jewish people’
Meme: The situation sparked a meme that read, “Me trying to find the anti-Semitism Jennifer Aniston saw on Jamie Foxx’s Instagram Story.”
In his defense: One person attributed the misunderstanding to colloquialism.
‘Savage’: Someone else explained: ‘Black people use (the term ‘they’) in our community for years when someone comes out of pocket’
‘Just dumb’: Huffington Post editor Philip Lewis weighed in, saying Aniston owes Foxx an apology
More Aniston backlash: One viewer called the actress a ‘fake friend’
Hot take: Someone else referred to Jennifer’s reaction as ‘I’m calling manager mode’
‘We really are living in two different worlds. Because how is a common black colloquialism interpreted in this way? someone with the handle @carolinerenard_ questioned.
Caroline added: ‘And now Jamie Foxx has to apologize? I need all of you to meet black people in real life.’
Jamie’s friend Adam Weitsman was one of the first to come to his defense when he wrote on Instagram: “I know you personally, I’m Jewish and I know you’re the last person who would EVER act antisemitic (sic).”
‘Your (sic) kind and considerate of everyone. He would always vouch for you.
