Guy Pearce Apologizes for Antisemitic Posts, Steps Away From Social Media

HOLLYWOOD — Actor Guy Pearce, known for acclaimed roles in Memento, L.A. Confidential, The King’s Speech, and this year’s Oscar-nominated performance in The Brutalist, has apologized for sharing antisemitic conspiracy content online and says he is stepping away from social media “for the time being.”

Pearce, who built a decades-long career spanning blockbuster films and prestige television series such as Mare of Easttown and Mildred Pierce, came under scrutiny this week after reposting claims that major pornography companies are “owned by Jews” and that Israel orchestrated both the 9/11 terror attacks and the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. He also shared content linked to Holocaust-denying white supremacist Nick Fuentes.

In a statement to UK Jewish News, Pearce said the posts were not intentional endorsements of antisemitic narratives.
“It has been brought to my attention that, in my support of Palestine, I inadvertently re-posted articles and statements containing misinformation and falsehoods,” he wrote. “I am deeply sorry. I will be more diligent in verifying anything I share online.”

Hours later, Pearce followed with another message announcing he would temporarily leave social media.
“I meant every word of that apology,” he wrote. “But meaningful action must accompany it. To prevent further hurt or confusion, I will be stepping back from social media for now.”

Advocacy groups condemned the posts and warned that high-profile figures can unintentionally amplify extremist narratives when sharing unverified content. Pearce’s decision comes amid heightened tensions surrounding the Israel–Hamas conflict and increased scrutiny over celebrity political activism.

Despite the controversy, Pearce remains one of Australia’s most recognizable actors, with a career stretching from his early breakout in the 1980s TV series Neighbours to decades of award-winning film work and international recognition.