Listen to the article
Australian actor Guy Pearce has issued a public apology for sharing what he described as “misinformation and falsehoods” about Israel on social media while expressing support for Palestine. The “Memento” and “The Brutalist” star acknowledged his mistake in a statement to Jewish News.
“It has been brought to my attention that, in my support of Palestine, I have inadvertently re-posted articles, and/or statements, that have contained misinformation and falsehoods,” Pearce said. “I am aware how sharing inaccurate content can cause confusion and distress; for this I am deeply sorry. I will certainly endeavour to be more diligent in future to verify anything I share online.”
According to reports, the Oscar-nominated actor had shared controversial content from far-right political commentator Nick Fuentes, a known white nationalist. Pearce also allegedly recirculated material blaming Israel for the 9/11 terrorist attacks and accused Israeli officials of involvement in the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, claims that have been widely debunked.
Jewish News further reported that Pearce shared antisemitic tropes, including posts claiming that “the top three pornography companies are owned by Jewish people” and statements connecting “Jewish Zionists” to gambling addiction, debt, and prostitution through ownership of Las Vegas casinos.
Following the backlash to these posts, Pearce announced on November 29 that he would be stepping away from social media platforms for the foreseeable future.
“Earlier this week, I issued an apology for sharing misleading and inaccurate posts and commentary on social media,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “I meant every word of that apology but I recognize that meaningful action must accompany any apology. To prevent any further hurt, confusion or damage to others, I will be stepping back from social media for the time being.”
The controversy comes at a particularly sensitive time in global politics, with tensions surrounding the Israel-Palestinian conflict remaining high. The entertainment industry has seen numerous figures speak out on the issue, often with divisive reactions from fans and colleagues alike.
Pearce has been a vocal supporter of Palestine in recent years. During the 2025 Academy Awards, where he received a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his role in “The Brutalist,” Pearce wore a small pin depicting a white enamel dove with the words “Free Palestine.” Earlier, at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, he sported a Palestinian flag pin on his lapel.
When Vanity Fair France digitally removed the pin from a photo published on their website, Pearce criticized the decision, stating: “As the Palestinian people are already suffering great trauma and loss due to the vengeful regime of Netanyahu, it is most unfortunate that a reputable publication like VF attempts to eliminate support that I or anyone chooses to offer.”
Most recently, Pearce participated in Brian Eno’s “Together For Palestine” charity event at London’s Wembley Arena in September. The show brought together more than 150 artists and cultural figures to raise funds for humanitarian aid in Gaza. Other participants included musician Damon Albarn, producer Brian Eno, actor Richard Gere, and actress Florence Pugh.
The incident highlights the challenges celebrities face when engaging with complex geopolitical issues on social media platforms, where nuance is often lost and misinformation can spread rapidly. It also underscores the heightened scrutiny public figures encounter when weighing in on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where statements are frequently examined for bias or antisemitic undertones.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
10 Comments
It’s good to see public figures taking responsibility for sharing inaccurate information, even if unintentional. Verifying sources and facts is so important, especially on sensitive political issues. Kudos to Pearce for acknowledging the mistake and pledging to be more diligent going forward.
It’s good to see Pearce take responsibility for sharing inaccurate content. Verifying sources and facts is crucial, especially on sensitive political topics. His apology and pledge to be more diligent in the future is a positive step.
Sharing misleading or false information, even inadvertently, can have serious consequences. I’m glad Pearce recognized the problem and took responsibility. Fact-checking is essential, especially for public figures, to avoid amplifying harmful misinformation.
I appreciate Pearce’s transparency in admitting his mistake and pledging to be more careful about verifying information going forward. Spreading misinformation, even inadvertently, can have serious consequences. His apology and commitment to doing better is commendable.
I appreciate Pearce’s transparency in admitting his mistake and committing to be more careful about verifying information in the future. Spreading misinformation, even unintentionally, can have serious consequences. His apology is a positive example.
I appreciate Pearce’s apology and commitment to being more careful about verifying information in the future. Sharing inaccurate content, even in the context of supporting a cause, can be very harmful. Responsible public discourse is crucial, especially on complex geopolitical topics.
It’s good to see Pearce take responsibility for sharing inaccurate content. Verifying sources and facts is crucial, especially on divisive political issues. His pledge to be more diligent going forward is a commendable response to the situation.
Pearce’s apology and acknowledgment of the problem with sharing unverified information is refreshing. Fact-checking and responsible sharing of content should be a priority, especially for public figures. Kudos to him for recognizing the issue and committing to improvement.
It’s admirable that Pearce owned up to his mistake in spreading inaccurate content. Verifying sources and information is so important, especially on divisive political issues. His pledge to be more diligent in the future is a positive step.
Pearce’s acknowledgment of the problem with sharing unverified information is a responsible move. Fact-checking is essential, especially for public figures, to avoid amplifying harmful misinformation. His commitment to improvement is a step in the right direction.