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Israel Broussard 'Deeply Sorry' For Mocking Japan After Deadly Earthquake, 'Liking' Sandy Hook Hoax Theory
A deep dive into Broussard’s Twitter history has spurred accusations of Islamophobia, racism and homophobia.
Actor Israel Broussard has become the subject of social media backlash after fans uncovered a number of offensive tweets Broussard published in the past, prompting him to publish an apology online.
The 24-year-old actor, best known for his role in the Netflix film “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before,” posted a string of problematic tweets between 2009 and 2016, with one post taking aim at Black Lives Matter, claiming that the movement’s only goal was “division,” Billboard reports.
In another tweet, Broussard seemed to balk at the thought of portraying a homosexual character: “I’m not going out for a gay role, thank you though. Haha.”
Another tweet, published after a catastrophic 2011 earthquake in Japan, reportedly read “Dogs can sense earthquakes. Too bad Japan ate them all.”
The quake, and tsunami that followed, killed nearly 16,000 people.
Broussard also allegedly "liked" a number of controversial tweets, including posts that were anti-Muslim in nature, and another suggesting that the tragedy that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012 was staged, People reports.
The tweets have since been deleted, and Broussard took to Twitter on Tuesday to issue an apology.
“I am deeply sorry for my inappropriate and insensitive words and likes on social media,” he wrote. “I take full responsibility for my actions and I sincerely apologize.”
“This has been a pivotal life lesson for me. I am dedicated to becoming a more informed and educated version of myself,” his statement continued.
Broussard’s tweets were especially troubling, considering his inclusion in a film that has been applauded for its diversity. “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before,” based on the best-selling young adult novel by Jenny Han, features an Asian female protagonist.
[Photo: Israel Broussard attends the Screening Of Netflix’s “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before” at Arclight Cinemas Culver City on August 16, 2018 in Culver City, California. By Frazer Harrison/Getty Images]
