The Economist Says Sorry for Offensive Cartoon
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
The Economist apologized for a cartoon that was published in its weekly print and Internet editions that was characterized as anti-Semitic.
The cartoon had been removed on Jan. 21, several days after it was published alongside an article, with a brief note that the cartoon “caused offense to some readers.”
The cartoon published with the article titled “Negotiating with Iran: A Big Gap to Close,” about the difficulties between the United States and Iran over negotiating changes to Iran’s nuclear program, shows President Obama with a leg shackled to the seal of the U.S. Congress, which is covered with Stars of David. He is reaching out to shake the outstretched hand of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who is followed by extremists burning an American flag.
The cartoon seems to indicate that Congress is run by Jews or Israel.
The brief note was replaced in recent days by an Editor’s Note that offers an apology, Honest Reporting reported Wednesday.
The Editor’s Note reads: This story was originally illustrated by a cartoon that combined the Star of David with the Congressional seal. Some readers felt that the cartoon implied that Jews controlled Congress. That is not what we intended to imply, nor what we believe, so we removed the cartoon. We apologize for any offense that was caused.
“We are pleased that The Economist has finally apologized and stated, for the record, that the magazine does not believe that Jews control Congress,” Honest Reporting said.
The Anti-Defamation League had called on the Economist to issue a “full-throated apology” for publishing the editorial cartoon.
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