JERUSALEM (AP) — After U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee accused Tucker Carlson of spreading a false and defamatory claim, Carlson posted a public apology late Saturday retracting his suggestion that Israeli President Isaac Herzog had visited the private island of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
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Statement on Israeli President Isaac Herzog pic.twitter.com/z2hIAO9ptY
— Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) February 21, 2026
Huckabee wrote on X that Carlson had challenged him to ask Herzog directly about the allegation. “I DID ask,” Huckabee said, calling the claim a lie and noting that the reporter who circulated it had acknowledged it was fabricated. He warned that libel and defamation of “a good and honorable man” is reckless.
Hours later, Carlson released a two-minute video saying he had received a detailed letter from Herzog’s office firmly denying any contact between Herzog and Epstein.
“They didn’t know each other, they never emailed, never met, never had any relationship of any kind,” Carlson said, summarizing the response. He acknowledged he had no evidence Herzog had ever visited Epstein’s island and said he did not intend to suggest otherwise.
“I’m sorry to imply that I knew something I didn’t know,” Carlson said.
The controversy stemmed from Carlson’s earlier interview with Huckabee, during which he referenced a 2014 email attributed to Epstein that allegedly mentioned Herzog and former Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak as potential invitees to a gathering. Herzog’s office has categorically denied any connection to Epstein.
Epstein died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Tucker challenged me to ask Israeli Pres @Isaac_Herzog re: allegation he was at Epstein island. I DID ask. As expected, it was a lie. The reporter who spread it admits it was fake. Tucker may need to talk to his lawyers. Libel & defamation of a good & honorable man is reckless. https://t.co/suCddygIZ8
— Ambassador Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) February 21, 2026
Carlson is a very sick person with a twisted brain, what a shame
I wonder if Carlson was the one who actually was visiting Epstein’s island
The video clip of his lie about being detained at BG has gone viral, let’s hope it’s the beginning of his end.
Why just threaten a libel suit, why not file an actual defamation lawsuit and tie this man up in court for years.
Tucker Carlson deserves to lose his tongue and knock his teeth out
QATUKKA IS A NAZI SYMPATHIZER