CAA agent Maha Dakhil has resigned from the agency’s internal board following controversial social media comments about Israel. She is also stepping down from her executive duties as co-head of the motion picture department, Variety has confirmed.
Dakhil, who represents A-list talent including Tom Cruise, Natalie Portman and Madonna, will continue to work with her clients and colleagues at CAA while spending time on her personal education process about the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
On Wednesday, Dakhil reposted a statement from an account called Free Palestine, which commented on Israel’s response to the 7 October terrorist attack carried out by Hamas. The post read, “You’re about to learn who supports genocide,” to which Dakhil added her own caption: “This is the line for me.” She then posted a second photo with the caption: “What is more heartbreaking than witnessing genocide? Witnessing the denial that genocide is happening.” She later deleted both posts from her account.
“I made a mistake with a repost on my Instagram story that used hurtful language. Like so many of us, I am heartbroken. 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 implications and educated me. I immediately took down the post. I’m sorry for any pain I may have caused.”
CAA issued a statement of support for Israel two days after the Hamas attack, saying it “stands with the people of Israel, the Jewish community and all innocent victims in the face of horrific acts of terrorism. For those with family, friends or loved ones living in or connected to Israel and the region, our thoughts are with you. We wish for peace for all.
