Amy Schumer Speaks Out After Criticism of Her Israel-Hamas Social Media Posts: 'I Want Peace'
Schumer said she is "accepting love and feedback" while also clarifying her point of view on the war
Amy Schumer is clarifying her stance after receiving criticism for her social media posts about the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
The actress, 42, has been outspoken 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 Oct. 7. More than 1,300 people were killed, including some Americans.
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, urging for the safety of innocent Palestinians caught in the war.
On Monday, 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."
One post shared by Schumer showed decades-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.
Related: Angelina Jolie Says 'Humanity Demands an Immediate Ceasefire' in Israel-Hamas War
"Certainly, my father was against antisemitism, 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."
Then, on Wednesday, Schumer 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.
"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.
Schumer also directly addressed common criticisms she receives online — about 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."
Prior to this, on Oct. 27, Schumer wrote on Instagram that she is 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.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Amy Schumer on Oct. 18, 2023."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."
According to NBC News, President Joe Biden said Wednesday at a campaign reception in Minnesota that "we need a pause" in the Israel-Hamas war to "give time to get the prisoners out." The outlet reported that Palestinian health officials said over 8,700 people have been killed in Gaza.
"This is incredibly complicated for the Israelis. I can thoroughly understand the emotions on the Palestinian side of the argument and the Jewish side of the argument," Biden added.
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