Dane Baptiste has issued a statement after being slammed for an "antisemitic" death threat targeted at a fellow comic.
The performer, 42, is best known for creating and starring in the BBC Three sitcom SunnyD as well as appearing on British comedy staples such as Live at the Apollo, 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and Mock the Week.
On Wednesday, Baptiste took to his Instagram page to target an unnamed female comic, describing her as a "Zionist comedian".
He's since deleted the post but screenshots have since circulated online, with Baptiste's threat reading: "A quick note to the Zionist comedian stalking my family’s page.
"I want you to sit down with your husband and kids and imagine what their lives will be without you, b/c north london is a quick trip to make and a think tank will have to be an actual tank to keep you safe from me.
"Ask about and comedians will tell you I will be at your literal doorstep. Your agent won’t keep you safe.
Dane Baptiste regularly appears on British TV shows including The Weakest Link, Pointless, Mock the Week and more
BBC
"Your act is dumbbut don’t be a dumb woman," he signed off.
GB News has contacted Baptiste's representatives for comment. Chortle and Deadline report Baptiste's threat was reported to the police.
Baptiste took to X on Thursday afternoon to release a statement in response to backlash to his social media post.
He said: "In the recent past, I have received a number of threatening and abusive messages from account accusing me of antisemitism for having pro-Palestinian views. I have a new family and my partner made me aware that some of these same people monitoring her Instagram account.
— Dane Baptiste/A$ap BAP/Joke Dza (@DaneBaptweets) May 2, 2024
"In a massive error of judgement, I posted an excessive and impulsive response, hoping to dissuade anybody monitoring my family."
Referring to the comments that have been deemed anti-Semitic, Baptiste went on: "I made a point to say Zionist and not Jewish, but I appreciate how disturbing, threatening and incendiary that language is, I would categorically state I have no ill intention towards the Jewish community and never have.
"I have a loving family of which I am massively protective of; I reacted poorly and emotionally to a perceived threat with no considered thought to the consequences, and I apologise profusely for my actions to the Jewish community, my colleagues and my fans.
Baptiste's original Instagram threat had been widely criticised by several fellow and prominent comedians.
David Baddiel reposted the threat on his X, formerly Twitter page, with the caption: "Jews don’t count. And please don’t bother to tell me he said Zionist. Sometimes that word implies a distinct belief system. And sometimes, including this time, it’s just a more acceptable way of saying Jew."
Meanwhile, Marcus Brigstocke followed suit: "The threat made by Dane Baptiste against a woman on IG wasn’t vague & cannot be justified. It was targeted & dangerous.
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Dane Baptiste sparked anger with his Instagram post
GETTY
"Driven (imo) by antisemitism & misogyny. I refuse to look the other way & stay silent while only Jewish friends speak up. Hatred & racism like this has to end."
GB News Headliners regular Josh Howie similarly blasted Baptiste's words as he posted on X: "I've known and liked Dane Baptiste a long time. I’m also a fan of his comedy.
"So I’ve somewhat held back as he’s descended down the rabbit hole of Jew hatred. But this is the end point - openly threatening Jewish, I mean 'Zionist', women. The priority now is this woman’s safety."
And fellow comic Matt Green similarly commented: "This is really horrifying. I’ve worked with Dane many times but would never have expected something like this.
"It’s totally unacceptable and I hope he makes a complete and unreserved apology immediately. This kind of hateful behaviour cannot be tolerated." (sic)
