Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz, who signed an open letter together with other Spanish artists, including Pedro Almodóvar, are in danger of being blacklisted by the Hollywood film industry.

The open letter, which was published in July in Spanish denounced the Israeli offensive in Gaza, calling on the European Union to “condemn the bombing by land, sea and air against the Palestinian civilian population.”

The letter has sparked strong reactions in Hollywood, forcing Penelope Cruz to release the following clarification statement: “I don’t want to be misunderstood on this important subject. I’m not an expert on the situation and I’m aware of the complexity of it. My only wish and intention in signing that group letter is the hope that there will be peace in both Israel and Gaza. I am hopeful all parties can agree to a cease fire and there are no more innocent victims on either side of the border. I wish for unity, and peace.”

Following his wife’s example, Javier Bardem also released a statement titled “Plea for Peace” which read: “My signature was solely meant as a plea for peace. Destruction and hatred only generate more hatred and destruction.

While I was critical of the Israeli military response, I have great respect for the people of Israel and deep compassion for their losses. I am now being labeled by some as anti-Semitic, as is my wife – which is the antithesis of who we are as human beings. We detest anti-Semitism as much as we detest the horrible and painful consequences of war.

I was raised to be against any act of violence, and the consequent suffering of humanity for it, regardless of religions, ethnicities and borders. Too many innocent Palestinian mothers have lost their children to this conflict. Too many innocent Israeli mothers share the same grief. There should not be any political reason that can justify such enormous pain on both sides. It’s my hope that leaders involved in this complicated struggle will heed the call of United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, ‘In the name of humanity, the violence must stop.’

Palestinians and Israelis in the region deserve to have their safety and human rights recognized and respected so in the near future they may find peace and co-existence, for themselves and their innocent children. So generations to come could bring hope, forgiveness and compassion for each other. This is the most basic and necessary way to peace for all of us.”

Despite their efforts to clarify their intentions, top Hollywood executives seem unwilling to forgive the couple that has faced fierce criticism and accusations of anti-Semitism. According to the international media, many have expressed the disapproval and their unwillingness to work again with the famous couple.

More specifically, Ryan Kavanaugh, CEO of Relativity Media, told the Hollywood Reporter, that the open letter signed by Bardem and Cruz “makes his blood boil.”
“As the grandson of Holocaust survivors, anyone calling it Israeli ‘genocide’ vs. protecting themselves are either the most ignorant people about the situation and shouldn’t be commenting, or are truly anti-Semitic,” said Kavanaugh.

American actor Jon Voight, the father of Angelina Jolie, has also accused Bardem and Cruz of antisemitism in a letter he wrote for the Hollywood Reporter.

“My name is Jon Voight and I am more than angry, I am heartsick that people like Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem could incite anti-Semitism all over the world and are oblivious to the damage they have caused,” said the famous actor.