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American children’s entertainer and social media personality Rachel Accurso, known online as Ms. Rachel, issued a public explanation on Thursday after liking an antisemitic comment on her Instagram account — an action she claimed occurred by mistake.
The comment, which read “Free America from the Jews,” appeared beneath one of Accurso’s posts. It remained visible for several hours after her account registered a “like.” The comment was later removed.
Accurso Says the ‘Like’ Was a Mistake, Not an Endorsement
In a video posted to Instagram, Accurso said she meant to delete the antisemitic comment but selected the wrong on-screen option. “I’ve accidentally liked comments before. It happens,” she said. “I would never agree with an antisemitic thing like the comment.”
She said antisemitism had no place on her platforms and stressed that she removed such content when she saw it. “I delete antisemitic comments,” Accurso said. She added that she believed she had already removed the comment at the time.
Addressing the backlash, Accurso apologized for the confusion. She described the reaction as evidence, in her view, that online platforms allow little room for error. “I feel like we can’t be human anymore online,” she said, adding that accidental interactions on social media have happened to her before.
She also cited her difficulty navigating digital platforms. “I’m old, so I am not as good with touching things online,” she said.
Advocacy, Public Profile, and Political Visibility
The incident comes as Accurso’s public profile extends beyond children’s programming. Her activism has been widely criticized for amplifying anti-Israel narratives and for minimizing or failing to address antisemitism, particularly after Hamas’s October 7th massacre.
As a children’s entertainer whose content reaches millions of young families, Accurso occupies a uniquely influential position. Critics argue that when figures with such reach engage in one-sided political messaging or fail to confront antisemitism clearly, it risks shaping young audiences’ understanding of Jews and Israel in harmful and misleading ways.
Following the election of Zohran Mamdani as mayor of New York City, Accurso joined his inaugural committee. She has also appeared alongside him at public events focused on early childhood and education initiatives. Her proximity to the mayor — with his own notorious record of anti-Israel radicalism — has increased scrutiny of her public statements and online conduct.
Antisemitism Is Not a Technical Error
While Accurso maintains that the “like” was accidental, the episode highlights a broader reality. Antisemitic content spreads quickly online, and even brief engagement by high-profile figures can amplify hateful messages.
For Jewish communities facing a sustained global surge in antisemitism, calls for violence or expulsion carry serious consequences. Intent does not erase impact. Public figures engaged in social or political advocacy carry heightened responsibility to respond clearly and decisively when antisemitism appears in their digital spaces.
Take Action
CAM has launched Report It — a secure app to report antisemitic incidents anonymously and in real time. Don’t stay silent — download it today on the Apple Store or Google Play. See it. Report it. Stop it. Together, we can fight this hate.
