Award-winning screenwriter Aaron Sorkin dumped his talent agency CAA over Israel “genocide” posts shared by his high-powered agent, Maha Dakhil.
Sorkin — the writer behind “The Social Network” and “The West Wing” — jumped to rival WME after being represented by Dakhil for six years.
“Maha isn’t an antisemite, she’s just wrong,” Sorkin said in a statement on Wednesday.
“She’s a great agent and I’m very proud of the work we did together over the last six years. I’m excited to be returning to WME.”
CAA declined to comment on Sorkin’s departure.
The Syrian-born Dakhil — who represents A-listers Tom Cruise, Madonna, Natalie Portman, Anne Hathaway, Reese Witherspoon and Olivia Wilde — had reposted an Instagram story earlier this week from an account called Free Palestine.
The account weighed in on Israel’s response to Hamas’s brutal attack on Oct. 7 — which resulted in the murder of 1,400 men, women, children and elderly people and the capture of over 200 hostages — saying: “You’re currently learning who supports genocide.”
Dakhil added in her caption: “That’s the line for me.”
She then posted a second photo, with the words: “What’s more heartbreaking than witnessing genocide? Witnessing the denial that genocide is happening.”
She later deleted both posts.
Dakhil then resigned from CAA’s internal board and stepped down from her role as co-head of the agency’s motion pictures department.
Variety reported that she will continue to work with her clients while “spending time in her personal education process.”
“I made a mistake with a repost in my Instagram story, which used hurtful language. Like so many of us, I have been reeling with heartbreak. I pride myself on being on the side of humanity and peace,” Dakhil said in a statement.
“I’m so grateful to Jewish friends and colleagues who pointed out the implications and further educated me. I immediately took the repost down. I’m sorry for the pain I have caused,” she said.
Dakhil, who arrived in the US from Syria as a child, added: “Choice of words is important. Dialogue is healing. As each excruciating day passes, I’m listening and learning more from my friends. Thank you. I’m holding all our families in my prayers…I am grieving for everyone who is suffering right now. I continue to mourn all innocent lives. My mission is peace,” she wrote on her secretagentm Instagram profile.
Dakhil is not the only Hollywood heavyweight to slam Israel for attempting to root out the Hamas terrorists.
Tilda Swinton, Steve Coogan and “Outlander” star Sam Heugan are among more than 2,000 actors, artists and musicians who have signed a letter calling for a Gaza ceasefire — without any mention of the slaughter by Hamas terrorists that started the war.
The open letter from Artists for Palestine UK claimed Israeli airstrikes and the government’s decision to cut off food, water and fuel to the region amounted to “war crimes.”
Laura Davis is an entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to Broadway, she offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
