Whew! Jamie Foxx is speaking out to apologize for a post that some people found to be offensive.
On Friday, the actor shared an Instagram post about Jesus Christ that many perceived to be spreading hate against Jews. The since-deleted post read, “They killed this dude named Jesus … What do you think they’ll do to you?! #fakefriends #fakelove…” Reacting to the post, one social media user said, “I am a Jewish advocate who fights antisemitism. Jamie Foxx’s post was a horrifically antisemitic message rooted in classic blood libel and anti-Jewish conspiracy theory.” Another said, “So many Jewish fans said a mi shebeirach for Jamie Foxx when he was in the hospital and his friends asked everyone to pray for him. Deeply disappointing to see how he’s chosen to use his platform now. I wonder if he asked the religion of the doctors before they saved his life.” A third added, “Seeing someone like Jamie Foxx post antisemitic content is a sad reminder that Jews can’t just exist like most everyone else. There will always be people who hate us.”
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Despite that, there were people coming to his defense. One person tried to break it down and explained, “The line “they killed Jesus” has been used to attack Jewish people for centuries. I’m guessing Jamie foxx was referring to Judas, and not “the Jews”, but I don’t know why anyone would think it’s a stretch to think it was an antisemitic statement.” Another followed up and added, “Any black person growing up in the south will tell you that Jamie Foxx wasn’t referring to Jewish people. “They killed/lied on/talked about Jesus” simply means “If Jesus can be betrayed, so can you.” He genuinely meant fake friends/ fake people. So quick to reach, it’s ridiculous.”
Foxx is now responding to the online commotion and backlash. He said in an Instagram post this Saturday morning: “I want to apologize to the Jewish community and everyone who was offended by my post. I now know my choice of words have caused offense and I’m sorry. That was never my intent.” He went on to say, “To clarify, I was betrayed by a fake friend and that’s what I meant with “they” not anything more. Ionly have love in my heart for everyone. I love and support the Jewish community. My deepest apologies to anyone who was offended.”
More On Jamie Foxx
Aside from this, Jamie Foxx has been making headlines for weeks after returning to the public eye following his big health scare earlier this year.
As we previously reported, Foxx was in the middle of filming in Atlanta for his Netflix movie Back in Action when he experienced a “medical complication.” On April 12, 2023, Jamie Foxx’s daughter Corinne Foxx issued a since-deleted statement on her Instagram. “We wanted to share that my father, Jamie Foxx, experienced a medical complication yesterday,” the statement read. “Luckily, due to quick action and care, he is already on his way to recovery. We know how beloved he is and appreciate your prayers. The family asks for privacy during this time.”
No further details were shared but it led to a bunch of online speculation. However, on April 21, 2023, a source told People that the entertainer was doing “okay” but was still hospitalized at the time. “He’s OK, thank God,” the source said. “He’s still in the hospital and doctors are running tests but he’s awake and alert. They’re keeping him under observation.”
On May 3, 2023, Jamie Foxx finally broke his silence to give fans an update on his health he also thanked his fans for their support. In an Instagram post, he said, “Appreciate all the love!!! Feeling blessed.” In a follow-up Instagram story he also shouted out Nick Cannon who was revealed to replace Foxx’s hosting duties on Beat Shazam “Appreciate ya my boy @nickcannon. See u all soon.”
Jamie Foxx officially made a return to social media and the public in July. He posted a video with the caption, “Thank u a billion to everybody… been a long road but all the prayers great people and God got me through…. 🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️”