Social media users are defending Jamie Foxx over a now-deleted Instagram Story he shared on Friday, referencing Jesus and “fake friends” that led to actor Jennifer Aniston unknowingly stepping into Black folks’ business.
Foxx, 55, initially shared the message to one of his Instagram Stories, calling out a “fake friend” who allegedly leaked false information about his medical condition to the press, HipHopDX reported.
“THEY KILLED THIS DUDE NAMED JESUS…WHAT DO YOU THINK THEY’LL DO TO YOU???! #FakeFriends #FakeLove,” the “Unpredictable” singer wrote in the Instagram Story that he shared on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Jamie Foxx takes aim at "fake friends" in cryptic new messagehttps://t.co/52WCdDsvQr pic.twitter.com/NGCQ2iscAL
— HipHopDX (@HipHopDX) August 5, 2023
Foxx’s message sparked outrage, with many deeming his post as antisemitic. Aniston issued a statement and called the post “sick” after receiving backlash for liking it. On Saturday, Foxx shared a message to his Instagram account and apologized for the message.
“I want to apologize to the Jewish community and everyone who was offended by my post. I now know my choice of words have caused offense and I’m sorry,” he wrote. “That was never my intent.”
He continued: “To clarify, I was betrayed by a fake friend and that’s what I meant with ‘they’ not anything more. I only have love in my heart for everyone. I love and support the Jewish community. My deepest apologies to anyone who was offended. ❤️ ❤️ ❤️.”
— Jamie Foxx (@iamjamiefoxx) August 5, 2023
His post was an age-old colloquialism often used in the Black community to describe betrayal by those closest to them.
Twitter users were confused that Foxx had to apologize and called out the Friends star for inserting herself into Black culture.
“Jennifer Aniston owes Jamie Foxx an apology because this is just silly,” said journalist Phil Lewis.
Jennifer Aniston owes Jamie Foxx an apology because this is just silly pic.twitter.com/2JztPYgSIB
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) August 5, 2023
Politics and culture commentator Reecie Colbert shared her thoughts on the situation and Aniston’s lack of “Black cultural competency.”
“This is what happens when *in-group speak* is broadcast to people who have zero Black cultural competency and have never been around Black people in a familial setting. It’s obvious to us what he meant, but our own cultural context has zero value or consideration outside of us,” she tweeted.
This is what happens when *in-group speak* is broadcast to people who have zero Black cultural competency and have never been around Black people in a familial setting. It's obvious to us what he meant, but our own cultural context has zero value or consideration outside of us.
— Reecie @BlackWomenViews (@ReecieColbert) August 5, 2023
“Why didn’t Jennifer Aniston just ask someone Black or dare I say ask Jamie Foxx what he meant before blasting him? Does she have one Black friend she could have asked? It’s a common phrase in the Black community which is NOT antisemitism,” another user said.
Why didn’t Jennifer Aniston just ask someone Black or dare I say ask Jamie Foxx what he meant before blasting him? Does she have one Black friend she could have asked? It’s a common phrase in the Black community which is NOT antisemitism. “If they can kill Jesus imagine what they…
— Nikki Fowler (@NikkiFowler28) August 5, 2023
TMZ reported that several celebrities have rallied behind Foxx amid the backlash he received.
