‘Said it, meant it’: Internet unconvinced as Selma Blair apologizes for viral Islamophobic remark

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Actor Selma Blair expressed regret on Tuesday, February 13, for what she admitted was a poor decision, after her comments, which were widely criticized as Islamophobic, spread rapidly online earlier this month.

Blair was reportedly at the center of a social media controversy last week following her comments on an Instagram post about Congresswomen Rashida Tlaib and Cori Bush voting against a proposal to prevent Hamas terrorists from immigrating to the US.

The 51-year-old star penned an extensive apology for her comment, which has since been removed.

What did Selma Blair say in her now-deleted comment?

In the comment that Selma posted and subsequently deleted, she wrote, "Deport all these terrorist supporting goons."

"Islam has destroyed Muslim countries and then they come here and destroy minds. They know they are liars. Twisted justifications. May they meet their fate."

This comment led to a significant backlash, with many accusing Selma of being an intense, Islamophobic bigot, per TMZ.

Selma Blair apologizes for viral Islamophobic comment

Blair took to Instagram on Tuesday and wrote an apology in which she said, "I mistakenly and inadvertently conflated Muslims with Radical Islamists and fundamentalists, a terrible err in my words, and resulted in hurting countless people I never meant to, and I deeply regret this."

Blair who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2018 ignited a controversy with her remarks on a social media post by Abraham Hamra, an advocate for immigration reform.

Hamra had criticized Representatives Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and Cori Bush of Missouri for their votes against a measure aimed at barring those involved in the October 7 terrorist attack on Israel from immigrating to the US.

Tlaib argued that the measure was "redundant with already existing federal law" while Bush dismissed it as a "empty messaging bill Republicans are using to target immigrants and incite anti-Palestinian hate".

Upon realizing her mistake, Blair stated on Tuesday that she promptly removed her comment.

She mentioned in her apology, "As soon as my error was brought to my attention, I deleted the comment."

"Hate and misinformation are amplified so easily these days. This time by my own hands," the actor stated.

"In this instance, I erred in my writing and I fully recognize how I contributed to the Muslim community being understandably very upset."

She further mentioned, "I am dedicated to tolerance and peace for all who want it — not hate."

"I apologize to those in the Muslim community who I offended with my words. I apologize to my friends. And I apologize to anyone I hurt. And I will do better."

Internet abuzz over Selma Blair's apology

Earlier, people on social media criticized Blair for her comment, and now many are asserting that she "meant" what she "said".

A Facebook user commented, "It's ok. Absolutely no consequences are expected. On the other hand, should you have the slightest disagreement regarding Israel, KEEP IT FOR YOU or you're so cancelled...."

Another person wrote, "All these extremists! People like you have turned the world into a horrible place to live."

"You said it. You meant it." remarked another. 

Others believe that Blair doesn't need to apologize.

"She should not have apologized," said a user. 

Another person added, "No, need to apologize!"

However, a user replied, "Aww nooo.. she should've said a non-viral islamaphobic comment. She would've been better off."

"Don't apologize!!!! Tf u have to apologize for? To please the audience?" asked another. 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.