Maha Dakhil, one of Hollywood’s top agents, is leaving her senior position at Creative Artists Agency after she posted information on social media about Israel and Hamas.
On Sunday, CAA confirmed that Dakhil had resigned from the agency’s internal board and was stepping down as co-head of film for the time being.
Dakhil will continue to work with his clients at CAA, the agency said, declining to comment further.
Dakhil’s client list includes famous talents such as Tom Cruise, Reese Witherspoon, Natalie Portman, Ava DuVernay and Anne Hathaway, among others.
The decision comes after Dakhil posted an Instagram story on Wednesday that said, in part: “At this time, you will find out who supports genocide.” She added her own message to the repost: “This is my line.” Dakhil subsequently posted a second photo with the caption: “What’s more heartbreaking than witnessing genocide? I am a witness to the denial of the fact of genocide.”
The posts were later deleted and Dakhil apologized for her social media posts.
“I made the mistake of reposting something on my Instagram story that used offensive language. Like many of us, I was shaking with grief. I am proud to stand on the side of humanity and peace,” Dakhil said in a statement to Variety. “I am so grateful to Jewish friends and colleagues who pointed out the consequences and educated me further. I immediately deleted the repost. I’m sorry for the pain I caused.”
On Wednesday evening, the Hollywood star posted another message on her Instagram, further clarifying her position.
“The choice of words is important. Dialogue heals. With each painful day, I listen and learn more from my friends. Thank you,” she wrote. “I pray for all our families… I grieve for everyone who is suffering right now. I continue to mourn all the innocent lives. My mission is peace.”
The SAA issued its own statement regarding Israel and Hamas in an October 10 Instagram post.
“CAA stands with the people of Israel, the Jewish community and all innocent victims in the face of horrific terrorist attacks,” the talent agency wrote. “For those whose family, friends or loved ones live in or are connected to Israel and the region, our thoughts are with you. We wish peace to all people. You can join us in supporting the following humanitarian organizations working to provide aid and relief resources.”