Journalist Rula Jebreal’s Apology for Racist Remark

Journalist Rula Jebreal issued an apology after making a controversial remark about House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y. During an interview on Wajahat Ali’s podcast, Jebreal called Jeffries an “AIPAC monkey,” which was widely condemned as racist by the Congressional Black Caucus and several Democratic lawmakers.

Jebreal made the comment while discussing Jeffries’ support for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and Israel. She highlighted that Jeffries’ name, “Hakeem,” means “healer” in Arabic, critiquing him as being a divider rather than a healer.

Ali, the podcast host, addressed Jebreal’s choice of words, emphasizing the racial implications of calling a Black person a “monkey.” Jebreal attempted to clarify her statement, referencing the “three monkeys who hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil.” However, this explanation was rejected by the Congressional Black Caucus as insufficient, stating that there’s no non-racist way to employ such terms.

Democrat leaders shared these sentiments, condemning Jebreal’s language as openly offensive. Representative Joe Neguse, D-Colo, and Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., both expressed their objections on social media, demanding a universal denouncement of racist rhetoric.

In response to the backlash, Jebreal posted an apology online, expressing regret for her choice of words while criticizing Jeffries’ acceptance of AIPAC funds amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. Her apology, however, received scrutiny from Jason Mudd, CEO of Axia Public Relations, who viewed it as a strategic move rather than a genuine admission.

Jebreal and Jeffries have yet to respond directly to Fox News Digital regarding the incident.