It’s not just heads of state trading shots over the Gaza conflict.
Jon Voight has called Palestinian-supporting star couple Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem “ignorant” for their public condemnation of Israel’s Gaza offensive.
“I am heartsick that people like Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem could incite anti-Semitism all over the world and are oblivious to the damage they have caused,” the 75-year-old “Midnight Cowboy” actor wrote in an open letter published in The Hollywood Reporter.
Voight, the father of Angelina Jolie, has long been an outspoken supporter of Israel. He was ticked off by the married couple’s signing of an open letter lamenting Israel’s role in the conflict and characterizing its actions as “genocide.”
“Hang your heads in shame,” Voight wrote. “You should all come forth with deep regrets for what you did, and ask forgiveness from the suffering people in Israel.”
Voight, a star of Showtime’ s “Ray Donovan,” wasn’t the only person to criticize Bardem and Cruz over the letter, which was released last month and co-signed by other European big shots in the film industry.
Facing a backlash over social media, including allegations of anti-Semitism, the couple issued statements clarifying their opinions last week.
“My signature was solely meant as a plea for peace,” Bardem said.
“Destruction and hatred only generate more hatred and destruction.”