Australian actor Guy Pearce has quit social media after being forced to issue an apology for sharing “misinformation and falsehoods” about Israel.

“It has been brought to my attention that, in my support of Palestine, I have inadvertently re-posted articles, and/or statements, that have contained misinformation and falsehoods,” Pearce told Jewish News.

“I am aware how sharing inaccurate content can cause confusion and distress; for this I am deeply sorry. I will certainly endeavour to be more diligent in future to verify anything I share online,” he added.

Jewish News, a British-based publication, reported that the Oscar-nominated actor shared material online from highly controversial, far-right political commentator and white nationalist Nick Fuentes.

Pearce also reportedly shared material that blamed Israel for the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the US, accused Israeli officials of facilitating the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and claimed the “top three pornography companies are owned by Jewish people”.

Jewish News also reported that Pearce earlier in November shared a post, “Remember, when Zionists tell you Islam will destroy America… While several major Las Vegas casinos/hotels that have caused gambling addictions, debt and prostitution were created and owned by Jewish Zionists … The Zionists (not Jews) want you to fear the people who stand against the corruption they are creating”.

Pearce, a vocal supporter of the plight of Palestinians since the start of Israel’s invasion of Gaza, faced a fierce backlash online after the Jewish News reports and his apology, prompting him to announce he’s taking a break from social media.

“Earlier this week, I issued an apology for sharing misleading and inaccurate posts and commentary on social media,” he wrote.

“To prevent any further hurt, confusion or damage to others, I will be stepping back from social media for the time being.”

Nick Fuentes, 27, hosts the infamous America First livestream that promotes Christian nationalism, white supremacy, misogyny, anti-LGBTQ views, and antisemitism, including Holocaust denial.

Vanity Fair apology

The events of the past week are not the first time Pearce’s support of Palestine has prompted an apology.

Vanity Fair France issued a formal apology in May after it controversially edited a photo of Pearce at the Cannes Film Festival to remove a Palestinian flag pin the actor was wearing.

“We have published by mistake a modified version of this photo on the site,” the magazine wrote in French on X in response to a viral post criticising the edited photo.

“The original version was posted on Instagram the same day. We have rectified our mistake and we apologise.”

Pearce made no public comments on that controversy. But he did post to X a day later to reiterate his support for the Palestinian cause, ending it with “SHAME on you Netanyahu. #CeaseFire  #FreePalestine 🇵🇸”.

Pearce wore a small pin that depicted a white enamel dove embossed with “Free Palestine” at this year’s Oscars – where he was nominated for best supporting actor for The Brutalist.

In September, Pearce was involved with the Together For Palestine charity show at London’s Wembley Arena, joining more than 150 artists and cultural figures to show solidarity and raise funds for the people of Gaza.