The Dispute Index

Rula Jebreal

Palestinian-Italian journalist, author, academic, and political commentator.

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Case

Were Rula Jebreal’s remarks about Hakeem Jeffries racist?

During a September 2, 2026 appearance on The Left Hook, Rula Jebreal described House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries as a “bought and paid by AIPAC monkey” and “basically an errand boy,” while immediately denying racial intent. Jebreal later apologized for the terms. The Congressional Black Caucus and several lawmakers characterized the wording as racist, while Wajahat Ali and Joy-Ann Reid emphasized intent and surrounding context while also criticizing the language.

RacismU.S. PoliticsUpdated

Statements by Rula Jebreal

Rula Jebreal

Role at the time: Journalist and commentator

Mixed or conditional

Responding to

Jebreal’s “monkey” reference invoked the three wise monkeys rather than racial animosity, although the wording was inappropriate and offensive.

"The term that I used to describe him was inappropriate and offensive and should never have been used. I apologize unconditionally."
Why we used this label

The statement concedes that the language was inappropriate and offensive but does not concede that the underlying criticism was racist.

Rula Jebreal apology for her description of Hakeem Jeffries (opens in a new tab)Post 2095947359112810879
Read statementWere Rula Jebreal’s remarks about Hakeem Jeffries racist?

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