Actor Russell Crowe apologized on Friday to anyone who was offended by his earlier remarks via Twitter about circumcision and later comments about Jews who like apples and honey and wear "funny hats."
"I realize that some will interpret this debate as me mocking the rituals and traditions of others," he said in a Twitter message on Friday. "I am very sorry." In another message he said "I have a deep and abiding love for all people of all nationalities …"
When asked by a Twitter follower if the fan should circumcise his son, Crowe said in a series of messages, including some interacting with other followers, that he felt the procedure is "barbaric."
"Circumcision is barbaric and stupid. Who are you to correct nature? Is it real that GOD requires a donation of foreskin? Babies are perfect." One tweet was directed to Jewish director Tim Roth: “many jewish friends, I love my Jewish friends, I love the apples and the honey and the funny little hats but stop cutting yr babies @eliroth.”
The Anti-Defamation League’s national director, Abraham Foxman, told The Jewish Week that Crowe’s comments would add fuel to the effort in San Francisco to ban circumcision.
Jewish stories matter, and so does your support.
The New York Jewish Week brings you the stories behind the headlines, keeping you connected to Jewish life in New York. Help sustain the reporting you trust by donating today.
