Guy Pearce Steps Back from Social Media After Controversy

Introduction: A Troubling Moment for the Australian Star

Guy Pearce, the acclaimed Australian actor known for his roles in Memento, L.A. Confidential, and Oscar-nominated performance in The Brutalist, has found himself at the centre of controversy following the sharing of “misinformation and falsehoods” on social media. The 57-year-old actor, whose career spans decades of critically acclaimed work, issued a public apology and announced he would be “stepping back from social media for the time being”. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges celebrities face in navigating political discourse online, particularly concerning sensitive geopolitical issues.

The Controversy Unfolds

Pearce shared material online featuring controversial far-right political commentator Nick Fuentes, and reportedly shared content that blamed Israel for the 9/11 terrorist attacks and accused Israeli officials of facilitating the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The posts emerged as Pearce has publicly called on peers in the entertainment industry to speak out about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, having worn Free Palestine pins at major award ceremonies throughout 2024 and 2025.

The Apology and Response

In his statement to Jewish News, Pearce acknowledged that “in my support of Palestine, I have inadvertently re-posted articles, and/or statements, that have contained misinformation and falsehoods,” adding that he was “deeply sorry” for sharing inaccurate content that could cause confusion and distress. Following the initial apology, Pearce issued a further statement recognising that “meaningful action must accompany any apology”, prompting his decision to withdraw from social platforms.

Career Context and Ongoing Projects

Despite this controversy, Pearce’s professional trajectory remains strong. The actor is in talks to play media mogul Rupert Murdoch in Danny Boyle’s upcoming film Ink, and is set to star alongside Teresa Palmer and Ann Dowd in supernatural thriller Poor Boy. This incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance public figures must maintain between expressing personal views and the potential consequences of amplifying unverified or harmful content to large audiences.