Comedian and podcaster Michael Rapaport has expressed his outrage towards Hollywood figures who signed a petition urging Israel to release Marwan Barghouti, a convicted terrorist serving multiple life sentences for murder.
The Free Marwan campaign’s letter appeals to the United Nations and global leaders to “actively seek the release of Marwan Barghouti,” claiming he has faced “violent abuse and denial of his legal rights” during his imprisonment and suggesting that his freedom is essential for advancing the creation of a Palestinian state.
Among those who signed the letter are notable authors like Margaret Atwood and Philip Pullman, as well as actors including Sir Ian McKellen and Benedict Cumberbatch, and musicians such as Sting and Paul Simon. There are several other prominent figures from both the American and British entertainment industries as well.
Barghouti, a former leader of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, was convicted in 2004 by an Israeli court on five counts of murder along with an attempted murder charge.
Rapaport, quite appalled, criticized the celebrities advocating for Barghouti’s release, referring to him as a “terrorist animal.” He spoke out against them in a recent podcast, emphasizing that Barghouti has planned and executed numerous attacks that resulted in the deaths of many innocent people.
“Look, I know I’m digressing, but there exists a terrorist, and his name is Marwan Barghouti. He’s a confirmed murderer,” Rapaport asserted during the podcast episode. “The idea that we call people like this heroes is beyond me.”
He went on to highlight the irony of calling for Barghouti’s freedom, drawing comparisons to cases like the Central Park Five and Nelson Mandela, and expressed his frustrations with celebrities like Richard Branson and Mark Ruffalo who support such actions.
Rapaport also shared his discontent regarding the American justice system and lamented over the many innocents incarcerated, nudging the conversation towards the complexity of criminal justice issues both in the U.S. and abroad.
Specifically targeting actor Alan Cummings, who has been noted for his activism within the LGBTQ community, Rapaport questioned Cummings’ unwillingness to visit Palestinian areas during his time in Israel.
He stated, “I’m aware that he hasn’t visited places like Ramallah or Bethlehem because they lack LGBTQ pride.” Rapaport’s tone remained sharp, labeling Barghouti as a “murderer” and suggesting that supporters could be advocating for other innocents instead.
In detailing Barghouti’s crimes, Rapaport described horrific acts he claims Barghouti orchestrated, including a bombing that led to the deaths and injuries of civilians, and he expressed disbelief that some people would want to release him.
Concluding his remarks, he expressed confusion over the support for Barghouti, invoking the names of celebrities involved in the petition and venting his frustration with the overall situation.
