Journalist Rula Jebreal issued an “unconditional” apology after referring to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., as an “AIPAC monkey.” Her comment, made during a podcast interview, was condemned by several Democratic lawmakers and the Congressional Black Caucus as racist.
Jebreal’s remarks were made on Wajahat Ali’s “The Left Hook” podcast. She criticized Jeffries, who is Black, for supporting the agenda of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).
“His name is Hakeem. ‘Hakeem’ is an Arabic name which means ‘healer.’ He’s not a healer, he’s a divider,” Jebreal said.
She added, “He is a bought and paid by AIPAC monkey.” Jebreal attempted to soften her comment by stating it was not intended in a racist way, referring to him as “an errand boy.” The podcast host, Ali, quickly sought to clarify the connotations.
“Using monkey to anyone Black has terrible racial connotations,” Ali said, to which Jebreal replied, calling upon a metaphor involving three monkeys.
The Congressional Black Caucus and Democratic leaders rejected her explanation. They emphasized there is no non-racist manner to call Jeffries a “monkey” or “errand boy.” The group highlighted Ali’s criticism and stressed the need to uphold high standards in discourse.
“We have to stop platforming and trafficking in anti-Black racism, whether it’s on the political right or the left,” the CBC stated.
Jebreal’s remark drew additional backlash from several Democratic lawmakers.
“Blatantly racist and offensive rhetoric — it should be condemned by everyone, across the political spectrum. Period,” Rep. Joe Neguse, D-Colo, posted online.
Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., added, “Calling a Black man a ‘monkey’ is racist. Full stop.”
Following the controversy, Jebreal posted an apology online. “I am disgusted and horrified that Hakeem Jeffries is taking money from AIPAC amidst Israel’s genocide in Palestine,” she said. “That said, a term that I used to describe him was inappropriate and offensive and should never have been used. I apologize unconditionally.”
Jason Mudd, CEO of Axia Public Relations, critiqued Jebreal’s apology, suggesting it focused on justifying her position rather than owning the mistake.
Both the podcast clarification and written apology aimed at different audiences, according to Mudd.
Jebreal and Jeffries did not respond to requests for comments following the incident.
Julia Bonavita contributes to media and culture coverage for Fox News Digital.
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