Natalie Portman 'very upset' over Netanyahu's re-election, 'racist comments'

While critical of Netanyahu, Portman was careful “not to use [this platform]” to help “some people…shit on Israel.”

Actress Natalie Portman arrives at the 2015 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills, California (photo credit: REUTERS)
Actress Natalie Portman arrives at the 2015 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills, California
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Israeli-born Hollywood starlet Natalie Portman said she is “very upset and disappointed” by the reelection of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, particularly after his “racist” statements that were made in the latter stages of the campaign.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Portman said that while she is very much “against” Netanyahu, she doesn’t want her criticisms to be used by adversaries of Israel.
“I’m very much against Netanyahu,” said the Jerusalem native, who was once known as Neta-Lee Hershlag.
“I am very, very upset and disappointed that he was reelected. I find his racist comments horrific.”
Netanyahu was condemned worldwide for his Election Day exhortations to voters urging them to head to the ballot boxes to counter the “deluge of Arabs” that were descending on voting stations. The prime minister later said he regretted the comments.
While critical of Netanyahu, Portman was careful “not to use [this platform]” to help “some people... shit on Israel.”
“I don’t want to do that,” she said.
Portman gained fame as an actress after appearing in a number of blockbuster hits, including the Star Wars prequels. She won an Academy Award for her starring role in the 2010 flick .Black Swan