Creative Artists Agency’s (CAA) Maha Dakhil is stepping down from the agency’s internal board after she accused Israel of “genocide” in a couple of since-deleted social media posts.
Dakhil, whose clients include Tom Cruise, Natalie Portman Olivia Wilde, and Reese Witherspoon, shared a post on Instagram from a “Free Palestine” account stating, “You’re currently learning who supports genocide.” Dakhil shared another post stating, “What’s more heartbreaking than witnessing genocide? Witnessing the denial that genocide is happening.”
She issued an apology on Thursday, telling Variety that her posts were a “mistake” and used “hurtful language.” “Like so many of us, I have been reeling with heartbreak. I pride myself on being on the side of humanity and peace,” the agent said. “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.”
According to The Wrap, Dakhil is stepping down from CAA’s internal Agency Board as well as from her position as one of the leaders of Motion Pictures. She will, however, continue to represent her clients. Deadline reported that “an internal note” from CAA confirmed the changes.
Variety reported that “some CAA employees and dozens of industry colleagues were offended and saddened by the posts, which they found to be antisemitic. Others were shocked that a prominent dealmaker would wade into such a painful and incendiary issue in a public way.” The outlet also noted that no one in the agency issued a formal complaint against her over the posts. The agency, per The Wrap, has opted to show “forgiveness and a belief in redemption and personal growth.”
