Guy Pearce Issues Apology for Reposting Antisemitic Content

Australian actor Guy Pearce publicly apologizes after sharing social media posts containing antisemitic tropes amid his support for Palestine. The content, discovered by Jewish News, includes reposts from far-right figure Nick Fuentes and claims blaming Jewish individuals for major industries and historical events. Pearce’s statement addresses the inadvertent spread of misinformation, marking his second online apology in two years.

The posts in question feature inflammatory statements. One asserts that the “top three pornography companies are owned by Jewish people.” Another blames Israel for the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and accuses Israeli officials of plotting the murder of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. A third, from an account named Corefitnessbynaz2, contrasts Islamic threats with alleged Zionist corruption in Las Vegas casinos, linking gambling addictions and prostitution to Jewish ownership.

These shares surfaced during Pearce’s vocal advocacy for Palestinian causes. He wore a “Free Palestine” pin at the 97th Academy Awards in March 2025, where he received a Best Actor nomination for ‘The Brutalist’. At the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, Pearce sported a Palestinian flag pin, which Vanity Fair France digitally removed from photos, sparking backlash. The reposts aimed to highlight perceived hypocrisies but veered into conspiracy territory.

Pearce’s apology, issued via Instagram on November 28, 2025, reads: “It has been brought to my attention that, in my support of Palestine, I have inadvertently re-posted articles, and/or statements, that have contained misinformation and falsehoods. I am aware how sharing inaccurate content can cause confusion and distress; for this I am deeply sorry. I will certainly endeavor to be more diligent in future to verify anything I share online.” The statement follows outreach from Jewish News reporters.

This incident echoes Pearce’s 2023 controversy over tweets questioning gender identity in casting processes. He deleted those posts and apologized, saying: “I see that raising the question of gender identity within the casting process on a platform like Twitter was not a good idea. For that I apologise, enormously.” Critics, including the Campaign Against Antisemitism, cite a pattern of amplifying harmful narratives.

Pearce’s career spans diverse roles in prestige films. He earned acclaim for ‘L.A. Confidential’ in 1997, co-starring with Russell Crowe and Kim Basinger in the neo-noir thriller. His portrayal of Leonard Shelby in ‘Memento’ (2000) showcased his ability to convey amnesia-driven obsession. Recent work includes the lead in ‘The Brutalist’, a historical drama directed by Brady Corbet, which grossed $12 million domestically upon its October 2025 release.

The film’s narrative follows a Hungarian-Jewish architect’s post-World War II immigration to America, facing antisemitism and exploitation. Pearce’s performance drew Oscar buzz for its intensity, contrasting sharply with his real-life misstep. Co-star Adrien Brody, who plays a supporting role, has not commented on the apology.

Social media reactions divide along advocacy lines. Supporters of Pearce’s pro-Palestine stance defend the intent behind the shares, while others demand accountability from high-profile figures. Hashtags like #GuyPearceApology trend with over 50,000 uses by midday November 29. Jewish advocacy groups monitor for sustained change, with one spokesperson stating Pearce has a “long track record” of such issues.

Hollywood’s handling of celebrity activism intensifies scrutiny on platforms like Instagram and X. Pearce, 58, maintains an active online presence with 1.2 million followers, often blending film updates with political views. His agency, CAA, has not issued a separate statement.

This episode underscores risks in rapid-fire social sharing during polarized debates. Pearce’s commitment to verification aligns with industry calls for media literacy training. As awards season progresses, his ‘The Brutalist’ campaign continues unabated, with screenings scheduled through December 2025.

The apology closes a chapter on the immediate fallout, but long-term perceptions may influence future roles. Pearce’s next project, a sci-fi thriller with director Denis Villeneuve, films in Vancouver starting January 2026. Colleagues from ‘Memento’, including director Christopher Nolan, remain silent on the matter.

Advocacy intersections with entertainment persist, as seen in recent boycotts affecting film festivals. Pearce’s case highlights the fine line between solidarity and unintended harm in digital activism.