John Cusack takes down controversial antisemitic meme hours after posting

John Cusack Deletes Meme on Bluesky

Actor John Cusack deleted a controversial meme he posted on the social platform Bluesky in July 2025. The post drew backlash from users and public figures who said the image contained antisemitic ideas and symbols. The meme connected Jewish public figures, including Antony Blinken, to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

The graphic included multiple Stars of David and claimed links to Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency. This raised concerns that it was spreading conspiracy theories with antisemitic undertones. Bluesky users and moderators reacted quickly, and the post was removed within two hours of being posted.

Antisemitic Symbols in the Graphic

The meme used visual symbols that experts say echo long-standing antisemitic propaganda. The Stars of David on each individual’s face implied they were part of a secret Jewish network of influence and control. This trope has roots in Nazi propaganda that accused Jews of global conspiracies.

The mention of Mossad, Israel’s spy agency, further linked the image to unfounded theories about Jewish control of global events. Critics said this was an attempt to make false and harmful connections between Jewish identity and criminal behavior.

Bluesky Moderators React Quickly

Cusack’s post was removed from Bluesky two hours after being posted. It’s unclear whether Cusack deleted it himself or if the platform took it down due to policy violations. Bluesky has community guidelines that prohibit hate speech and antisemitism.

Bluesky board member Mike Masnick publicly condemned the meme, calling it “antisemitic Nazi s**t.” Several other users flagged the post. The platform has grown in popularity as an alternative to Twitter/X, and incidents like this have tested how it handles harmful content.

Public Figures Criticize the Post

Historians and tech leaders were among those who criticized Cusack’s post. Angus Johnston, a history professor at CUNY, said the image was “straight-up antisemitism.” Tech blogger Mike Masnick said it echoed Nazi propaganda.

Others on Bluesky expressed shock that Cusack would post such an image. Some users demanded a formal apology. As of July 9, 2025, Cusack had not issued a statement. The backlash shows how fast online platforms react when posts contain hate symbols or conspiracy theories.

2019 Antisemitic Tweet Resurfaces

In 2019, John Cusack posted another image that was widely criticized as antisemitic. The graphic showed a hand marked with the Star of David pushing down on people with a caption about power and censorship.

Cusack apologized for that tweet, saying it didn’t reflect his true views. He blamed the mistake on retweeting without reviewing the content carefully. That post also led to major backlash, and he later deleted it. The 2025 meme brings renewed attention to his past behavior on social media.

False Epstein–Mossad Theory Circulates

The meme claimed that Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell were Mossad agents. This theory is not backed by evidence and has spread mostly in far-right online spaces.

The claim has been pushed by conspiracy sites like TruNews and individuals like Mark Collett, who has been described as a Nazi sympathizer. U.S. intelligence and mainstream journalism have found no proof of Mossad links to Epstein.

What Is Mossad and Why It Matters

Mossad is the national intelligence agency of Israel, like the CIA in the U.S. It deals with foreign intelligence and national security, not celebrity scandals or sex crimes. Conspiracy theories often use the Mossad as a buzzword to suggest secret control by Jews.

These ideas have no basis in fact and are used to spread hate. Connecting Mossad to figures like Epstein or Blinken without evidence repeats old antisemitic themes. That’s why watchdog groups monitor public posts that include these links.

Antony Blinken’s Jewish Identity Misused

Antony Blinken, former U.S. Secretary of State, was included in the meme. His Jewish identity was highlighted using the Star of David, even though he has no connection to Epstein or Maxwell.

Blinken has served in multiple U.S. administrations and is not under any investigation related to Epstein. Using his photo in the graphic is misleading. Critics say this tactic aims to cast suspicion simply based on someone’s religion or ethnicity, which is discriminatory and dangerous.

John Cusack’s Acting Career Overview

John Cusack rose to fame in the 1980s with roles in films like Say Anything and Better Off Dead. He became known for playing offbeat and sensitive characters.

In the 2000s, he starred in thrillers like Identity and big-budget films like 2012. Though his acting work has slowed, he remains active on social media. His posts often express strong political views, but recent controversies have overshadowed his Hollywood legacy.

John Cusack’s Political Beliefs

Cusack has been vocal about U.S. foreign policy, especially criticizing American support for Israel. He’s shared articles, memes, and statements opposing Israeli military actions in Gaza.

While criticism of governments is legal and normal, critics say Cusack sometimes crosses into promoting harmful ideas. His 2025 meme mixed real concerns with baseless conspiracies. This blurs the line between activism and hate speech, especially when symbols and stereotypes are involved.

What Is Bluesky Social Network?

Bluesky is a newer social media platform that launched publicly in 2023. It was created by Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter, as a decentralized alternative with more user control.

Bluesky uses the AT Protocol, letting people build their feeds. However, moderation still exists to stop hate speech and misinformation. The Cusack incident shows that even “free” platforms must deal with harmful content and community standards.

Why Stars of David Are Misused

The Star of David is a religious and cultural symbol for Judaism. When used in memes or graphics with negative messaging, it can send a harmful message about Jewish identity.

In propaganda, the Star is sometimes placed over people’s faces to show they’re “part of a Jewish conspiracy.” This is a well-known hate tactic. Experts say using the Star this way in political posts or conspiracy memes is not criticism.

Other Celebrities Faced Similar Issues

Other stars have faced backlash for antisemitic posts. Rapper Kanye West (Ye) made several antisemitic statements in 2022, leading to dropped sponsorships and bans from platforms.

Actress Mel Gibson has also been criticized for antisemitic comments in the past. These incidents show that public figures are often held to high standards. When celebrities spread hateful or false ideas, the impact is wide due to their large platforms.

Online Hate Speech Rules Tighten

Social platforms now enforce stricter hate speech rules. Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube have all banned users for antisemitic content. Bluesky is building its system for safety.

Governments in Europe and the U.S. also pressure tech companies to stop the spread of harmful ideas. The goal is to balance free speech with stopping hate. When public figures break rules, platforms often act faster to avoid legal or social consequences.

Antisemitic Tropes in Media History

In the 1930s and 1940s, Nazi Germany used propaganda films to spread lies about Jewish people. They claimed Jews controlled banks, governments, and media to harm society.

These same lies are now found in memes and online posts. Using photos of Jewish public figures with secret-agent labels or money references follows the same formula. Historians warn that repeating these images, even jokingly, helps spread harmful beliefs.

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Why Context Matters in Memes

Memes are easy to share but often lack full context. A meme can mix truth, lies, and symbols in ways that confuse or mislead viewers. That’s why some images, like the one Cusack posted, cause big reactions.

Symbols like the Star of David or unproven claims about intelligence agencies aren’t just pictures; they have historical meanings. When used incorrectly, they can spread hate or reinforce false ideas. Public figures are urged to fact-check before sharing.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.