Rula Jebreal apologizes after calling Rep. Hakeem Jeffries a “monkey” on podcast
Palestinian journalist Rula Jebreal used the term “monkey” to describe Rep. Hakeem Jeffries on a podcast and later issued an unconditional apology.
Rula Jebreal, a Palestinian journalist, criticized Rep. Hakeem Jeffries on the “The Left Hook” podcast, accusing him of acting on behalf of AIPAC and calling him a “monkey.” She later tried to explain the phrase by referencing the three wise monkeys, insisting she did not intend racial hostility. The Congressional Black Caucus rebuked her, asserting that the slur cannot be framed as non-racist, and also criticized host Wajahat Ali for allowing such language.
Representative Ritchie Torres added that the remark is unequivocally racist and highlighted a double standard in left-wing discourse. Jeffries’ office has not provided a comment, while Jebreal posted an apology, describing the term as inappropriate and offensive. The incident underscores ongoing tensions over language, anti-Black racism, and Israel-Palestine debates in U.S. politics.
Why it matters
The episode highlights how inflammatory language can inflame racial and political tensions in U.S. discourse.
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