'I will do better': Actor Selma Blair apologises for Islamophobic remarks

Actor Selma Blair issued an apology for her Islamophobic remarks, following widespread criticism on social media.

“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 Instagram on Tuesday.

Blair, who starred in Legally Blonde, Hellboy, and Cruel Intentions, among other films, 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”.

But Blair disagreed.

“Deport all these terrorist-supporting goons,” Blair 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.”

'No one is born a bigot'

The Council on American–Islamic Relations (Cair) condemned her anti-Muslim comments and encouraged her to communicate with members of the Muslim-American community. 

Cair also urged film studios and talent agencies to stop penalising artists advocating for Palestinian human rights, while ignoring artists who make hateful comments in support of the continuing violence in Gaza.

“No one is born a bigot, and we should never assume that someone is doomed to remain a bigot,” Cair national deputy director Edward Ahmed Mitchell said.

“Based on the hateful and ignorant remarks that Ms Blair made, we doubt that she has ever engaged in any meaningful interactions with her Muslim colleagues in Hollywood or other members of the American Muslim community.”

They encouraged her to apologise, which she eventually did. 

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.”