'I want every hostage back': Amy Schumer clarifies her stance after receiving criticism for posts about Israel-Hamas conflict
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Amy Schumer has shed light on her stance after receiving criticism for her social media posts about the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
The 42-year-old actress has been vocal on Instagram in recent weeks, calling for the return of hostages taken by the Palestinian militant group Hamas in a large-scale terrorist attack on Israel on October 7.
More than 1,300 people, including some Americans lost their lives in the deadly carnage. Israel has since launched a ground operation and bombing strikes on Gaza in response to Hamas' surprise attack. Many activists have called for a ceasefire, requesting for the safety of innocent Palestinians caught in the war.
What did Amy Schumer write on Instagram?
On Monday, October 30, Schumer wrote on Instagram that she is a "proud Jewish Woman" and said she has "lost so many friends these last few weeks but feel powerful and free knowing I stand for the truth and will fight for it always", The Mint reports.
View this post on Instagram
One post shared by Schumer showed years old archival footage of Martin Luther King Jr. condemning anti-Semitism and speaking in support of Israel. His daughter Bernice King responded to Schumer about posting the viral clip on X.
What did Bernice King say?
"Certainly, my father was against anti-semitism, as am I. He also believed militarism (along with racism and poverty) to be among the interconnected Triple Evils," King, 60, wrote. "I am certain he would call for Israel’s bombing of Palestinians to cease, for hostages to be released and for us to work for true peace, which includes justice."
and for us to work for true peace, which includes justice.
— Be A King (@BerniceKing) November 1, 2023
He said, “Justice at its best is love correcting everything that stands against love.”
We have much to correct.
Here is a clip of my father talking about withdrawing from the Vietnam War and “moral power.”#MLK pic.twitter.com/Y0ZMp1K6qa
Amy Schumer said she is 'accepting love and feedback'
On Wednesday, November 1, Schumer then shared a message on Instagram re-activating her comment section and saying she is "accepting love and feedback" while clarifying her point of view.
"What I want is every hostage back. I want safety and freedom from Hamas for Palestinians and Israelis. I want safety for Jewish people and Muslims as well. Everyone. Just like you. I want peace," said Schumer, adding "You will never see me wishing harm on anyone. Saying I'm Islamophobic or that I like genocide is crazy. So here you go by popular demand. Comments on," she continued.
View this post on Instagram
Amy Schumer also directly addressed common criticisms
Schumer also directly addressed common criticisms she receives online, regarding her appearance, her career and her distant relation to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
She concluded by writing, "We are all in a lot of pain. What hurts the most is that we all actually love each other. You hate Jews. You don't know why. I still love you."
Amy Schumer clarified she is speaking out against Hamas, not Gazans
Before her October 27 post, Schumer wrote on Instagram that she was speaking out against Hamas, not Gazans, and apologized for posting "something that was hurtful" to the Gaza people. "I'll be more careful," she said.
"I love my brothers and sisters in Gaza. I love Muslims. I love everyone. I'm just begging you to not hate all Jews," the comedian wrote, adding, "If it makes you feel better to write hateful things to me go ahead. Have a great weekend. Enjoy. Or join me in wanting these children home safe with their families."