US actress Selma Blair apologises for Islamophobic remarks

American actress Selma Blair has finally issued an apology for her Islamophobic remarks after a widespread criticism on social media.

The 51-year-old actress took to Instagram and wrote: “This is a time of great pain and anguish for many around the world, but it is also a time to learn and better understand how words matter.”

Starred in Legally Blonde, Hellboy, Cruel Intentions and other films, Blair had faced strong backlash for her comments made in response to an Instagram video last week by immigration reform advocate, Abraham Hamra. In the video, Hamra had criticised Representatives Cori Bush and Rashida Tlaib for their votes against a bill aimed at stopping immigration to the US by people involved in or who supported activities related to Hamas-led attack on Israel.

In a statement, Rashida Tlaib had explained that the bill was unnecessary and “redundant with already existing federal law”.  The law could incite racism that puts our immigrant neighbours at risk, she added.

In response to the video, Blair had commented that “deport all these terrorist-supporting goons.”

She further alleged that Islam had destroyed Muslim countries and then they come here and destroy minds. They know they are liars. Twisted justifications. May they meet their fate, she further said.

Later, the Council on American–Islamic Relations (Cair) issued an stamen condemning Blair’s anti-Muslim comments. It also encouraged the actress to communicate with members of the Muslim-American community.

The Council on American–Islamic Relations also urged talent agencies and film studios to stop penalising artists advocating for human rights of Palestinians.

“No one is born a bigot, and we should never assume that someone is doomed to remain a bigot,” Cair national deputy director Edward Ahmed Mitchell said.

Eventually, the American actress encouraged to tender apology over her Islamophobic remarks.

Blair, in her apology post, wrote that she mistakenly and inadvertently conflated Muslims with Radical Islamists and fundamentalists… and she deeply regret it.

She further wrote: “In this instance, I erred in my writing and I fully recognise how I contributed to the Muslim community being understandably very upset. I respect and love all peace-loving communities, all over the world.”

The famous actress said that she apologise to those in the Muslim community who she offended with her words. I apologise to my friends. And I apologise to anyone I hurt. And I will do better, she further remarked.