Bernice King, Martin Luther King Jr.’s daughter, is not happy that Amy Schumer, the noted comedian, is putting words into her father’s mouth and she wants the world to know that she does not appreciate it.
On Monday, Schumer wrote on Instagram that she is a “proud Jewish Woman” and said she has “lost so many friends these last few weeks but feel powerful and free knowing I stand for the truth and will fight for it always.”
Another post shared by Schumer showed decades-old archival footage of Martin Luther King Jr. condemning antisemitism and speaking in support of Israel. The post went viral on X.
The video was shared amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that attacked Israel on October 7, and that has thus far resulted in the death of thousands on both sides, though the great majority of casualties has been that of Palestinian civilians.
In response to the video posted by Schumer, Bernice King said that while her father condemned antisemitism, he would also oppose the bombing of Palestinians and call for justice and peace for all. She quoted her father as saying, “Justice at its best is love correcting everything that stands against love.”
King, 60, also suggested that Schumer read her father’s book “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?” to understand his views on militarism, racism and poverty.
“Certainly, my father was against antisemitism, as am I. He also believed militarism (along with racism and poverty) to be among the interconnected Triple Evils,” King wrote. “I am certain he would call for Israel’s bombing of Palestinians to cease, for hostages to be released and for us to work for true peace, which includes justice.”
Schumer shot back with: “What I want is EVERY HOSTAGE BACK. I want safety and freedom from Hamas for Palestinians and Israelis. I want safety for Jewish people and Muslims as well. Everyone. Just like you. I want peace. You will never see me wishing harm on anyone. Saying I’m Islamophobic or that I like genocide is crazy.”
She tried to mend fences by being conciliatory to both sides, writing on Instagram on Oct. 27, that she is speaking out against Hamas, not Gazans, and apologized for posting “something that was hurtful” to the Gaza people. “I’ll be more careful,” she said.
“I love my brothers and sisters in Gaza. I love Muslims. I love everyone. I’m just begging you to not hate all Jews,” adding, “If it makes you feel better to write hateful things to me go ahead. Have a great weekend. Enjoy. Or join me in wanting these children home safe with their families.”
