Dane Baptiste has issued an apology over anti-semitic statements (Photo by Roberto Ricciuti/Getty Images)
Comedian Dane Baptiste issues an apology for his ‘antisemitic’ post where he threatened a Jewish female comic who he claims was ‘stalking’ him.
The 42-year-old stand-up wrote a post on his Instagram stories directed at a ‘Zionist comedian’, which quickly garnered backlash for containing a death threat.
Taking aim at the unidentified comedian, Baptiste said he would ‘sit in prison while [her] family sit at the cemetery’.
It’s understood the matter was elevated to the police but no official report has been released.
After he was called out by fellow comedians, including David Baddiel and Ricky Gervais, the Mock the Week panellist made a statement in response.
He told Metro.co.uk: ‘In the recent past, I have received a number of threatening and abusive messages from accounts accusing me of antisemitism for having pro-Palestinian views.
‘I have a new family and my partner made me aware that some of these same people were monitoring her Instagram account. Knowing what has been said to me, I became incensed at the idea my family would be targeted with the same abuse.’
Baptiste acknowledged his use of Zionism, which is a movement supporting the re-establishment, and protection, of a Jewish homeland in the historic land of Israel.
He continued: ‘In a massive error of judgement, I posted an excessive and impulsive response, hoping to dissuade anybody monitoring my family. I made a point to say Zionist and not Jewish, but I appreciate how disturbing, threatening and incendiary that language is, I would categorically state I have no ill intention towards the Jewish community and never have.
‘I have a loving family of which I am massively protective of; I reacted poorly and emotionally to a perceived threat with no considered thought to the consequences, and I apologise profusely for my actions.’
He deleted his original post after backlash (Picture: Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images)
The statement is also pinned to his X profile and has been posted on his Instagram, where he initially made the threat.
His original post, which was quickly removed, read: ‘I want you to sit down with your husband and kids and imagine what their lives will be without you, b/c north London is a quick trip to make and a Think Tank will have to be an actual tank to keep you safe from me.
‘Ask about and comedians will tell you I will be at your literal doorstep. Your agent won’t keep you safe. And I’ll sit in prison while your family sit at the cemetery.
‘First and last warning. Your act is dumb but don’t be a dumb woman. For your own safety.’
Baptiste was hit with huge backlash over the statement from both fellow comedians and fans alike.
Gervais shared a post that highlighted Baptiste’s ‘publicly threatening to kill a Jewish woman.’
Josh Howie posted: ‘I’ve known and liked Dane Baptiste a long time. I’m also a fan of his comedy. So I’ve somewhat held back as he’s descended down the rabbit hole of Jew hatred.
‘But this is the end point – openly threatening Jewish, I mean ‘Zionist’, women. The priority now is this woman’s safety.’
‘Jews don’t count,’ wrote Baddiel, a common protest phrase used by Jewish people, as he shared a grab of the first post.
Marcus Brigstocke added: ‘The threat made by Dane Baptiste against a woman on IG wasn’t vague & cannot be justified. It was targeted & dangerous.
‘Driven (imo) by antisemitism & misogyny. I refuse to look the other way & stay silent while only Jewish friends speak up.’
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