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Actress Selma Blair, who starred in Legally Blonde, Hellboy, and Cruel Intentions, among other films, has issued an apology for her Islamophobic remarks.
“This is a time of great pain and anguish for many around the world, but it is also a time to learn and better understand how words matter,” Blair posted on her Instagram.
Blair faced backlash for comments she made in response to an Instagram video last week by immigration reform advocate, Abraham Hamra, in which he criticised Representatives Cori Bush and Rashida Tlaib for their votes against a bill aimed at stopping immigration to the US by people involved in or who supported activities related to the 7 October Hamas-led attack on southern Israel.
Tlaib explained in a statement that the bill was unnecessary and “redundant with already existing federal law” and could incite “racism that puts our immigrant neighbours at risk”.
However, Blair disagreed. “Deport all these terrorist-supporting goons,” she commented in response to the video criticising Tlaib.
“Islam has destroyed Muslim countries and then they come here and destroy minds. They know they are liars. Twisted justifications. May they meet their fate.”
Now in her apology post, Blair wrote that she ‘mistakenly and inadvertently conflated Muslims with Radical Islamists and fundamentalists… and I deeply regret it’.
“In this instance, I erred in my writing and I fully recognise how I contributed to the Muslim community being understandably very upset. I respect and love all peace-loving communities, all over the world,” Blair wrote.
Blair said that it was her Muslim friends who educated her, and she wants to pay forward their love and understanding.
“I apologise to those in the Muslim community who I offended with my words. I apologise to my friends. And I apologise to anyone I hurt. And I will do better.”