Controversial Remarks by Journalist Spark Outrage
A Palestinian journalist has drawn significant criticism after using deeply offensive language when referring to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY). During a podcast appearance, Rula Jebreal referred to Jeffries as an “AIPAC monkey” and an “errand boy,” terms that have historically been tied to racist connotations.
Jebreal’s comments were directed at Jeffries’ support for Israel and alleged adherence to the pro-Israel lobbying group American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Speaking on Wajahat Ali’s podcast, she expressed her views quite starkly, saying, “His name is Hakeem. ‘Hakeem’ is an Arabic name which means ‘healer.’ He’s not a healer, he’s a divider.”
She continued her critique, declaring Jeffries as “a bought and paid by AIPAC monkey,” while insisting that her words were not meant to be racially charged. “He is just basically an errand boy, and we’re done and tired,” she added.
As backlash mounted from members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), Ali attempted to mitigate Jebreal’s remarks by acknowledging the problematic nature of the term “monkey” but suggested she did not intend it with racial malice. Jebreal later tried to clarify her use of the term by referencing the “three monkeys” that symbolize not seeing, hearing, or speaking evil.
The CBC quickly dismissed her explanations, stating, “To be clear, there isn’t a non-racist way to call Leader Jeffries — a Black man — a ‘monkey’ or ‘errand boy.’” They further criticized the normalization of such language in political dialogue, asserting it promotes open bigotry.
Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) emphasized on social media that using the term “monkey” in reference to a Black individual is inherently racist and criticized the double standard that might exist regarding responses to such language depending on political affiliation.
In light of the ensuing controversy, Jebreal issued an apology on social media, expressing her disgust over the situation surrounding Jeffries’ alleged financial ties to AIPAC. She acknowledged that her choice of words was “inappropriate and offensive,” and she apologized unconditionally.
Jebreal, who has identified herself as a Palestinian foreign policy analyst, has a background as a novelist and screenwriter and previously contributed to MSNBC before leaving in 2014 amid criticisms of the U.S. media’s portrayal of Israel.
