John Cleese apologises to Jewish News for sharing antisemitic posts – vows free show in Israel
Comedy legend 'extremely sorry' and pledges to return to Israel 'when it’s safe'
John Cleese has issued a fulsome apology to Jewish News for inadvertently sharing false and antisemitic content online – as he reiterated his pledge to make good on his pledge to perform again in Israel.
In an exclusive hour-long interview, the 86-year-old comedy icon said he was “extremely sorry” for reposting material he later discovered had been fabricated, including a false quote attributed to former Israeli ambassador Tzipi Hotovely and another suggesting Israel “controls global finance.
“I didn’t check them properly,” he said. “I couldn’t believe some of them had been completely invented. It was a mistake.”
The posts provoked widespread anger among Israelis and British Jews and came ahead of Cleese’s cancellation of three sold-out shows scheduled in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem between 26 November and 1 December.
Initial statements cited “security concerns,” while online speculation claimed he feared BDS pressure.
Cleese said the decision stemmed from anxiety rather than politics. “I was dreading it weeks before the posts,” he said. “I thought someone would ask me something political, and if I didn’t say the right thing it would be unpleasant for the rest of the tour.”
Asked whether he feared for his safety, he replied: “I think there was always a security element… but I didn’t know.”
The Fawlty Towers and Monty Python star admitted to being “naïve” about how easily posts can be manipulated and said he now intends to stop commenting on Israel online. “I don’t understand the internet,” he said. “People create things and don’t care that they can be disproved.”
Cleese condemned Hamas as “the nastiest of all terrorist organisations” and stood firmly by Israel’s right to defend itself, while expressing concern about some actions of the Israeli government. He also voiced concern about record levels of antisemitism in the UK, saying he was deeply saddened by reports from Jewish friends who told him how unsafe they now feel.
Cleese said he hopes to repair trust and confirmed he intends to return to Israel. “Yes – when I feel it’s safe,” he said. “And I will perform for free.”
• Read the full interview Jewish News’ Life magazine – out next week.
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