Selma Blair discusses fallout from anti-Islam comment amid Israel-Hamas conflict

<p>Actress Selma Blair stated that "no one returned my calls" following an anti-Islam comment she made on Instagram during the Israel-Hamas conflict in February 2024, which resulted in the loss of her representation, brand deals, and friendships.</p><p>Her comments followed a previous incident in which she criticized then-Rep. Cori Bush and current Rep. Rashida Tlaib for their votes against legislation aimed at barring individuals involved in the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel from entering the United States.</p><p>Blair's comment included a statement that "Deport all these terrorist supporting goons," and further remarks about Islam's impact on Muslim countries. These comments were reported by the Hollywood Reporter.</p><p>After facing backlash, Blair apologized and mentioned that she lost friends and brand partnerships, including those connected to a Super Bowl advertisement. "The brands I worked with were gone within a day," she said at the Anti-Defamation League's State of the Arts reception at The Jewish Museum in New York.</p><p>Blair noted that several partnerships she had built over the years were terminated, and she lost her agency, lawyer, publicist, book agent, and social media manager. She expressed, "No one returned my calls."</p><p>She emphasized that she apologized immediately for her comment and is determined not to let it define her. Blair has been rebuilding her career since her multiple sclerosis diagnosis and stated, "I'm not up here for sympathy."</p><p>Blair reflected on the impact of the incident on her family, particularly her son, stating, "The fear got into me, and fear is contagious in a house." She described how her son, who had previously witnessed her health struggles, was affected by her fear following the backlash.</p><p>She referenced recent controversies involving rapper Macklemore and actor Javier Bardem, discussing the implications of public figures using their platforms to influence public opinion and the potential consequences for those who express dissenting views.</p><p>Blair has joined the cast of the upcoming film "Schmoolie the Deathwatcher" and announced her plans to create a documentary titled "Hineni," which translates to "Here I am," focusing on antisemitism.</p><p>During her speech, Blair stated, "Antisemitism has to stop. Not be managed. Not be explained. Not be weighed against something else. Stop. Two years ago the phone stopped. Tonight I’m the one talking, in a room full of my own people, saying the thing out loud. I’m a Jew. I’m still here. Hineni."</p><p>Fox News Digital reached out to Blair for comment.</p>