Shocking Twist: Guy Pearce's Controversial Posts Spark Outrage—Will He Ever Return?

HOLLYWOOD — Acclaimed actor Guy Pearce, renowned for his performances in films like Memento, L.A. Confidential, and The King’s Speech, has found himself in hot water following a recent social media controversy. The actor, who received an Oscar nomination this year for his role in The Brutalist, apologized for sharing content that included antisemitic conspiracy theories, stating he would temporarily step away from social media.

Pearce came under scrutiny after he reposted claims suggesting that major pornography companies are “owned by Jews” and that Israel orchestrated the 9/11 attacks along with the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Additionally, he shared content linked to notorious white supremacist Nick Fuentes, known for Holocaust denial.

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

Hours following his initial apology, Pearce reiterated his sentiments and announced his temporary departure from social media. “I meant every word of that apology,” he stated. “But meaningful action must accompany it. To prevent further hurt or confusion, I will be stepping back from social media for now.”

Advocacy groups have condemned Pearce's posts, emphasizing the dangers of high-profile figures unintentionally perpetuating extremist narratives through unverified content. His actions come at a time of heightened tensions surrounding the ongoing Israel–Hamas conflict, which has drawn intense scrutiny toward celebrity activism and political statements.

Despite the controversy, Pearce remains one of Australia’s most recognized actors. His career, which began in the 1980s with the TV series Neighbours, has evolved to include numerous award-winning performances across both film and television. This incident highlights the significant responsibility that comes with celebrity status, particularly in today’s social media landscape where misinformation can spread rapidly.