YouTube star Ms. Rachel issues apology for liking antisemitic Instagram comment
Kids’ YouTube sensation Ms. Rachel, known as “the internet’s toddler whisperer,” has issued an apology amid backlash for liking an antisemitic Instagram comment.
The popular children’s entertainer drew criticism this week after screenshots circulated online showing that her Instagram account had liked a comment that read, “Free America from the Jews.”
The comment appeared under a now-deleted post shared by Rachel that read “Free Palestine, Free Sudan, Free Congo, Free Iran.”
After social media followers and advocacy groups were quick to condemn the internet star, she owned up to the accidental incident by posting a screenshot of a direct message from a loyal fan.
“Hi Rachel, just wanted to let you know there’s a comment under your latest post that says ‘free America from the Jews’ that says liked by the author,” the message read. “I’m sure that’s an accident so wanted to let you know.”
“Deleted — how horrible — oh wait let me check — I did delete one like that,” Rachel replied. “I believe I deleted that earlier right when I saw it! I hate antisemitism.”
She followed that with a statement shared Thursday that read, “Yesterday, I accidentally liked a hateful comment on my social media while trying to delete it. I have always been completely clear on this; I do not support language that targets or harms the Jewish community or any community.”
“Antisemitism and hate of any kind have no place in my life or my work,” she continued. “Everything I do is rooted in kindness, inclusion and care for all humanity. Those values guide me every day, and I remain firmly committed to them.”
The 43-year-old educator also posted a tearful video on Instagram apologizing for the error.
“I thought I deleted a comment and I accidentally hit ‘like,’” she clarified to her followers while trying not to cry. “I don’t know how or why. I’ve accidentally liked comments before. It happens, I’m a human who makes mistakes.”
Rachel went on to say to she would “never agree with an antisemitic thing like the comment,” and apologized profusely for any confusion the mishap caused.
However, the apology fell on deaf ears for media watchdog group HonestReporting, which dismissed Ms. Rachel’s explanation.
“The evidence suggests this wasn’t a one-off ‘thumb slip,’” the organization wrote in a report titled “Not a Mistake, but a Pattern: Ms. Rachel’s Tearful Non-Apology for ‘Liking’ an Antisemitic Post.”
The organization claimed Rachel has “a pattern of explicit antisemitic messaging,” including “repeatedly accus[ing] Israel of committing a genocide” in Gaza. They cited her collaboration with Palestinian photojournalist Motaz Azaiza and close association with “radical” New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.