Rula Jebreal Apologizes for Calling Hakeem Jeffries 'AIPAC Monkey'

Anti-Israel journalist Rula Jebreal issued an apology Wednesday after referring to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries as an "AIPAC monkey" during an appearance on Wajahat Ali’s "The Left Hook" podcast. The remark, made during a discussion critical of Jeffries' support for Israel, was swiftly condemned by the Congressional Black Caucus and several Democratic lawmakers who characterized it as overtly racist.

During the podcast, Jebreal accused Jeffries, who is Black, of advancing the agenda of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). She stated, "He is a bought and paid by AIPAC monkey," adding, "He is just basically an errand boy, and we’re done and tired."

Host Wajahat Ali attempted to address the racial connotations of the term "monkey" when applied to a Black individual, to which Jebreal responded by referencing the "three monkeys" idiom, stating, "one, I cannot hear, I cannot see, I cannot speak – it reminds me of these three monkeys."

However, the Congressional Black Caucus rejected this explanation, asserting in a statement that "there isn’t a non-racist way to call Leader Jeffries — a Black man — a ‘monkey’ or ‘errand boy.’" The group further criticized the platforming of such language, stating, "We have to stop platforming and trafficking in anti-Black racism, whether it’s on the political right or the left."

Several Democratic lawmakers also voiced their disapproval. Rep. Joe Neguse, D-Colo., posted on X, "Blatantly racist and offensive rhetoric — it should be condemned by everyone, across the political spectrum. Period." Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., echoed this sentiment, writing, "Calling a Black man a ‘monkey’ is racist. Full stop." He added that if similar remarks were made by those on the far right, condemnation from the left would be immediate and universal, criticizing the "silence" from some quarters.

Following the backlash, Jebreal posted an apology on X, stating, "I am disgusted and horrified that Hakeem Jeffries is taking money from AIPAC amidst Israel's genocide in Palestine. That said, a term that I used to describe him was inappropriate and offensive and should never have been used. I apologize unconditionally."

Media analysts suggested that Jebreal's apology, which restated her accusation before offering an apology, might be perceived as an attempt to mitigate public relations damage rather than a full contrition. Jebreal and Jeffries did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.