More Backpedaling: Javier Bardem Clarifies His Israel Slam

Javier Bardem, like wife Penelope Cruz, is having second thoughts about calling the Israeli actions against Hamas genocide.

The power couple signed a statement earlier this week that decried Israel’s military actions against Hamas, equating the efforts to genocide. Cruz released a statement yesterday attempting to do some damage control. Now, it’s Bardem’s turn, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Bardem, through his representative, released a four-paragraph statement on Thursday. “While I was critical of the Israeli military response, I have great respect for the people of Israel and deep compassion for their losses,” the actor wrote. “I am now being labeled by some as anti-Semitic, as is my wife — which is the antithesis of who we are as human beings. We detest anti-Semitism as much as we detest the horrible and painful consequences of war.”

In the statement the Skyfall star said, “destruction and hatred only generate more hatred and destruction.” Describing a country’s attempt to defend itself against attack as “genocide” could be considered hatred in many circles.