Award-winning screenwriter Aaron Sorkin switches talent agencies, leaving CAA due to controversial Israel “genocide” posts shared by his agent, Maha Dakhil.
Sorkin, known for his work on “The Social Network” and “The West Wing,” transitions to WME after a six-year partnership with Dakhil.
In a statement on Wednesday, Sorkin states, “Maha isn’t an antisemite, she’s simply misguided. She’s an exceptional agent, and I’m proud of the accomplishments we achieved together. I’m looking forward to rejoining WME.”
CAA refrains from commenting on Sorkin’s departure.
High-profile agent Dakhil, representing A-listers such as Tom Cruise, Madonna, Natalie Portman, Anne Hathaway, Reese Witherspoon, and Olivia Wilde, shares an Instagram story from an account called Free Palestine, which addresses Israel’s reaction to Hamas’s brutal attack on October 7. The post accuses Israel of supporting genocide.
In the caption, Dakhil adds, “That’s my limit.”
She then posts a second photo with the statement, “What’s more devastating than witnessing genocide? Witnessing the denial of its occurrence.”
Both posts are later deleted.
Dakhil subsequently resigns from CAA’s internal board and steps down as co-head of the motion pictures department.
Variety reports that she will continue working with her clients while dedicating time to her personal education.
“I made a mistake by reposting hurtful language on my Instagram story. Like many others, I have been deeply saddened. I pride myself on promoting humanity and peace,” states Dakhil in a released statement.
“I am grateful to my Jewish friends and colleagues who enlightened me about the implications. I promptly took down the repost. I apologize for the pain I have caused,” she expresses.
Dakhil, who migrated to the US from Syria as a child, continues, “The choice of words holds significance. Dialogue is a source of healing. Every agonizing day, I am listening and learning more from my friends. Thank you. I keep all families in my prayers…I grieve for all those who suffer at this time. My mission is peace,” as shared on her secretagentm Instagram profile.
Dakhil isn’t the only prominent figure in Hollywood condemning Israel’s efforts to eradicate Hamas terrorists.
Tilda Swinton, Steve Coogan, and “Outlander” star Sam Heugan, among more than 2,000 actors, artists, and musicians, sign a letter advocating for a Gaza ceasefire without acknowledging the violence initiated by Hamas terrorists which triggered the war.
The open letter from Artists for Palestine UK asserts that Israeli airstrikes and the government’s decision to cut off access to food, water, and fuel in the region amounts to “war crimes.”
