Powerful Agent to Hollywood Megastars Apologizes for Accusing Israel of ‘Genocide’ in Hamas War
by Shiryn Ghermezian


Israeli soldiers gathered in a field near the border with Gaza listen to a speech by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Photo: Reuters/Ronen Zvulun
A powerful Hollywood talent agent, whose clients include a number of A-listers such as Tom Cruise and Madonna, has come under fire for a series of Instagram posts in which she attacked Israel for defending itself against the Palestinian terror group Hamas and its violence targeting Israeli civilians.
Maha Dakhil, who is co-head of motion pictures and a board member at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), on Wednesday reposted on her Instagram Story a statement from a pro-Palestinian account that commented on Israel’s response to the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas terrorists and subsequent rocket fire that left over 1,400 Israelis dead.
“You’re currently learning who supports genocide,” the post read.
Dakhil added in her own caption: “That’s the line for me.” She also shared a photo captioned, “What’s more heartbreaking than witnessing genocide? Witnessing the denial that genocide is happening.” Both posts have since been deleted from her Instagram account but not before they were shared within the Hollywood industry.
Variety confirmed the authenticity of the posts and received a statement from Dakhil apologizing for her comments.
“I made a mistake with a repost in my Instagram story, which used hurtful language,” she said. “Like so many of us, I have been reeling with heartbreak. I pride myself on being on the side of humanity and peace. I’m so grateful to Jewish friends and colleagues who pointed out the implications and further educated me. I immediately took the repost down. I’m sorry for the pain I have caused.”
In a post on Wednesday evening, Dakhil addressed her previous uploads.
“Choice of words is important,” she wrote. “Dialogue is healing. As each excruciating day passes, I’m listening and learning more from my friends. Thank you. I’m holding all our families in my prayers … I am grieving for everyone who is suffering right now. I continue to mourn all innocent lives. My mission is peace.”
CAA released a statement in solidarity with Israel on Oct. 10. The agency said it “stands with the people of Israel, the Jewish community, and all innocent victims in the face of horrific acts of terrorism. For those with family, friends, or loved ones living in or connected to Israel and the region, our thoughts are with you. We wish for peace for all people.”
CAA also said it was supporting a number of humanitarian organizations amid the war, including Jewish and pro-Israel groups such as American Friends of Magen David Adom, the UJA Federation of New York, and the American Committee for Shaare Zedek Medical Center.