Aaron Sorkin has ended his relationship with CAA and returned to WME after a controversial post about Israel was made by Maha Dakhil, co-chief of CAA’s motion pictures department. In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Sorkin clarified that Dakhil is not antisemitic, but simply wrong in her views. He expressed pride in their work together but stated his excitement to be returning to WME. Sorkin had previously been represented by WME until he switched to CAA in 2017.
The controversy surrounding Dakhil began when she reposted an Instagram story that referenced “genocide” by Israel during an escalating war in Gaza. She later deleted the post and apologized for her remarks. As of October 22, Dakhil has stepped away from her leadership role in the division and is resigning from CAA’s internal agency board. In an October 19 statement, she admitted her mistake and expressed gratitude to Jewish friends and colleagues who educated her on the implications of her repost. She emphasized her commitment to peace and apologized for the pain she caused.
The decision of a high-profile client like Sorkin to leave CAA reflects the polarized environment on social media since Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel in October 7 and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The rise of antisemitic incidents in Los Angeles, even before the war began, has sparked a broader conversation. The Anti-Defamation League reported in March that incidents of harassment and vandalism targeting Jewish individuals reached an all-time high in the city in 2022.
CAA, along with other Hollywood companies like Disney, Paramount, and Comcast, issued statements condemning Hamas and expressing support for Israel in the face of terrorism. In the days following the initial attack, these studios also pledged donations to humanitarian efforts. CAA’s CEO Bryan Lourd and co-chairmen Richard Lovett and Kevin Huvane signed an open letter on October 12 created by the nonprofit organization Creative Community for Peace. The letter urged people to be aware of an anticipated misinformation campaign spearheaded by Iran and to avoid amplifying or falling for propaganda.
This incident highlights the power of social media in shaping public perception and the controversies that arise from its use. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of education and dialogue in fostering understanding and avoiding hurtful language. As the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how individuals and organizations navigate these contentious issues and strive to promote peace and unity.
In conclusion, Aaron Sorkin’s decision to leave CAA and return to WME over the controversy surrounding Maha Dakhil’s post reflects the polarized social media environment surrounding the conflict in Gaza. It also sheds light on the broader conversation about rising antisemitic incidents in Los Angeles. The incident serves as a reminder of the power and pitfalls of social media while emphasizing the importance of education and dialogue in promoting understanding and peace.
