Outlander’s leading man Sam Heughan issued an apology and a few promises after it was revealed that he was one of thousands of actors and musicians who signed the Artists for Palestine UK open letter alongside the likes of Tilda Swinton and Steve Coogan.
The letter has come under fire for controversial statements slamming Israel and the Israel-Gaza conflict without any mention of the militant organization Hamas.
Putting a statement on Instagram, the 43-year-old wrote: “I inadvertently signed something that does not reflect my beliefs. I believed it was a simple call for PEACE…it wasn’t.”
The Hollywood star – who is best known for his role as Jamie Fraser – went on to share he condemned “violence in any form” as well as terrorism and has been left “heartbroken” by the “horrific actions” of Hamas.
Sam, who also has several business ventures, made a show of support to those who have been affected by the conflict and admitted he doesn’t know “nearly enough” about the situation to be signing open letters.
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He concluded by promising to “educate myself”, shared his prayers and hopes for “peace and love” and declared: “Wish I could help in some way.”
Over 3,000 artists have reportedly signed the open letter and backed the statement by Artists for Palestine UK which has been slammed for making no mention of Hamas, whose initial attack triggered the steep increase in conflict, but rather taking aim solely at the Israeli government and other governments across the world.
The letter condemned the actions by the Israeli government claiming it has “reduced much of Gaza to rubble” which is later described as a “society of refugees”.
It goes on to plea on behalf of Palestinians claiming they “have become people to whom almost anything can be done”.
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It reads: “Our governments are not only tolerating war crimes but aiding and abetting them.
“There will come a time when they are held to account for their complicity. But for now, while condemning every act of violence against civilians and every infringement of international law whoever perpetrates them, our obligation is to do all we can to bring an end to the unprecedented cruelty being inflicted on Gaza.
“We support the global movement against the destruction of Gaza and the mass displacement of the Palestinian people. We demand that our governments end their military and political support for Israel’s actions.”
The letter concludes by calling for an “immediate ceasefire” as well as allowing humanitarian aid to enter Gaza.
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