Bardeen and Holly-woodians

Pablo Nankin, MD

Javier Bardem. Screengrab via Youtube.

I am deeply troubled that Javier Barden continues to receive prominent acting roles despite what I view as a long record of antisemitic rhetoric and statements which, in my opinion, minimize or excuse terrorism. I find this especially disturbing at a time when Israelis and Jews around the world are still grieving the victims of brutal terrorist attacks and murder of civilians and children.

What concerns me just as much is the willingness of studios, producers, and others in the entertainment industry to continue hiring and promoting him. In my view, those who choose to employ public figures whose statements are widely regarded as antisemitic or as sympathetic to terrorism should be prepared to answer for those decisions. Hiring someone is not the same as endorsing every opinion they hold, but it is a business decision with public consequences.

I also believe it is unfair to expect Jewish audiences and others who oppose antisemitism to ignore these concerns simply because a film or television project is commercially attractive. The entertainment industry should hold itself to the same standards of accountability that it expects in other contexts.

My criticism is directed at public conduct and professional decisions. I believe antisemitism and the glorification or justification of terrorism should have no place in public life, and I hope those with influence in the industry will take these issues seriously when deciding whom to support and promote.

No one should be hiring this racist, in fact, he ought to be ostracized.