Jamie Foxx has been defended by his close friend after the Django Unchained star shared a controversial post on Instagram.
The 55-year-old actor took to social media on Friday to share a post which read: "They killed this dude named Jesus … What do you think they'll do to you?!" Some of his followers deemed the comments anti-Semitic, believing that he was talking about the Jewish community when he referenced "they".
However, Jamie has since apologised and insisted it was never his intention to cause offence. He has also been supported by podcast host Mark Birnbaum.
"As a close friend for 20 years @iamjamiefoxx is the most inclusive non antisemetic person out there. He's got nothing but love for everyone including us Jews," Mark wrote on his Instagram Story.
He added: "Let's move onto the next nonsensical story of the day." The comments were then re-posted by Jamie.
Ivana Knoll enjoys dinner with Jamie Foxx after modelling four sexy outfitsAfter deleting his original post shortly after sharing it, Jamie shared a statement with fans apologising for his choice of words. He wrote: "I want to apologise to the Jewish community and everyone who was offended by my post.
"I now know my choice of words have caused offense and I am sorry. That was never my intent. 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."
Jamie concluded his post by signing off with: "I love and support the Jewish community. My deepest apologies to anyone who was offended. Nothing but love always."
Fans were also quick to support Jamie after his apology with one writing: "I am Jewish and I thought it was one helluva leap to call it anti-semitic. I knew exactly what you meant. Everybody needs to chill."
Another echoed: "I'm Jewish and it never crossed my mind once." And a third fan penned: "The post said nothing about Jewish people."
Jamie recently returned to Instagram following a terrifying health scare in which he was rushed to hospital. Speaking about his health woes in a video, the actor said: "I went through something I never thought I would go through. I know a lot of people were waiting or wanting to hear an update, but to be honest with you, I didn't want you to see me like that man."