Who is Maha Dakhil? Internet divided as CAA agent resigns from board after calling Israel’s Hamas response ‘genocide'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Maha Dakhil, CAA's co-chief of the motion pictures department, has stepped down from her leadership role and resigned from the agency's internal board after posting controversial comments about Israel's response to the October 7 attack by Hamas, leaving netizens divided.
Dakhil, who represents clients such as Tom Cruise, Natalie Portman, Reese Witherspoon, Anne Hathaway, and more, faced criticism for an Instagram post that criticized Israel and referenced "genocide." The post was later deleted, and she issued an apology for her remarks.
What was Maha Dakhil's post about?
In her Instagram post, Dakhil reposted a statement from an account labeled 'Free Palestine,' which commented on Israel's response to the attack by Hamas. The post included the phrase "You're currently learning who supports genocide," to which Dakhil added her own caption, "That's the line for me."
She also posted a second photo with the caption, "What's more heartbreaking than witnessing genocide? Witnessing the denial that genocide is happening." Both of these posts were subsequently deleted from her account.
Maha Dakhil issues an apology
However, Dakhil issued an apology on October 19, acknowledging her mistake and the use of hurtful language in her repost.
“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."
"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,” she concluded, as per Hollywood Reporter.
Maha Dakhil's posts spark heated debate
Nonetheless, Dakhil's stance has created a rift among internet users, who hold differing opinions on the matter.
A user stated, "May God open better more successful paths for her where she does not have to sacrifice her speech or soul."
May God open better more successful paths for her where she does not have to sacrifice her speech or soul
— Amira ❤️ 🇵🇸 (@xplicitchica) October 23, 2023
Another added, "Calling people “genocide supporters” is what’s ridiculous." A third stated, "Everyone likes cancel culture till it comes for them."
Calling people “genocide supporters” is what’s ridiculous.
— Maryam md (@docobgynmom) October 23, 2023
"Why? Anybody that represents a corporation or people need to be responsible in their actions. She took a stance & obviously she’s paying a consequence," stated another.
Why? Anybody that represents a corporation or people need to be responsible in their actions. She took a stance & obviously she’s paying a consequence.
— Patrick Magee (@RFCATS) October 23, 2023
"Why is it. People should be able to hire people who they want. They don't agree with her so they can let her go," another user said.
Why is it. People should be able to hire people who they want. They don't agree with her so they can let her go
— josh11987 (@josh119872) October 23, 2023