A top Hollywood agent is stepping down from her leadership roles after coming under fire for calling the Israel-Hamas war a “genocide” on social media.
Maha Dakhil, who has worked with big-name celebrities including Tom Cruise, Reese Witherspoon, Natalie Portman, Ava DuVernay and Anne Hathaway, stepped down from the internal board at Creative Artists Agency following backlash to her incendiary posts, The Los Angeles Times reported.
On Sunday, CAA confirmed that Dakhil also would, for the time being, give up her position as co-head of the motion picture department.
While stepping back from some of her responsibilities, the powerful agent will continue working with her current A-list clientele, CAA said.
Dakhil on Wednesday reposted an Instagram story that read, in part, “You’re learning who supports genocide.”
In addition to the post, Dakhil wrote, “That’s the line for me.”
She shared a second photo with the caption, “What’s more heartbreaking than witnessing genocide? Witnessing the denial that genocide is happening.”
Soon after the posts were deleted and Dakhil issued an apology to Variety for the “hurtful language.”
“I made a mistake with a repost in my Instagram story, which used hurtful language. Like so many of us, I have been reeling with heartbreak. I pride myself on being on the side of humanity and peace,” she told Variety.
The agent continued: “I’m so grateful to Jewish friends and colleagues who pointed out the implications and further educated me. I immediately took the repost down. I’m sorry for the pain I have caused.”
On Wednesday she shared another message on Instagram further clarifying her position.
“Choice of words is important. Dialogue is healing. As each excruciating day passes, I’m listening and learning more from my friends. Thank you,” she wrote. “I’m holding all our families in my prayers…I am grieving for everyone who is suffering right now. I continue to mourn all innocent lives. My mission is peace.”
CAA issued its own statement in an Oct. 10 Instagram post standing behind Israel, the Jewish community, and “all innocent victims.”
“CAA stands with the people of Israel, the Jewish community, and all innocent victims in the face of horrific acts of terrorism,” the talent agency wrote. “For those with family, friends, or loved ones living in or connected to Israel and the region, our thoughts are with you. We wish for peace for all people. You can join us in supporting the following humanitarian organizations working to provide aid and relief resources.”
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