Celebrity photographer Rankin apologises over "anti-Semitic" remarks over Scarlett Johansson SodaStream row
1:25PM GMT 13 Feb 2014
Scarlett Johansson was compelled to choose her ties to SodaStream over her work for Oxfam in deference to the power of "Jewish zealots", the celebrity photographer Rankin has said.
The actress resigned as an ambassador for Oxfam last month after the charity objected to her role in an advertisement for SodaStream, a carbonated drinks brand with a factory in the Jewish settlement of Maale Adumim in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Weighing in on the controversy, Rankin, who has photographed the actress several times, said he believed that adherents to "extreme Judaism" could blacklist a performer in America who took a stance against Israel.
A spokeswoman for Rankin, whose real name is John Waddell, said that the remarks quoted in an interview in the Independent were not representative of his views and were made "off-the-record".
However Mark Gardner of the Community Security Trust, which campaigns on issues of anti-semitism, said the remarks revived long-standing slurs alluding to the power of Jews over the media.
Rankin appeared to be looking at the mindset that would have informed Johansson's decision to stand by her involvement with SodaStream.
“I’ve got a lot of time for her, but I’ve got a very negative view on SodaStream," he said.
“The thing is, I think the reason that she’s not backed down is because, in America the Jewish zealots are so powerful. Especially in the entertainment industry, what they could do to her career.
“But the main thing in all this for me is that kind of extreme Judaism. That extreme belief that this is their homeland and those people are worthless to them. That’s very powerful in America. They will blacklist you. They will blacklist you. It’s worse than McCarthyism. You are pro-Palestinian? F**king forget it."
Rankin issued a statement apologising for the remarks.
"In an interview that was set up with The Independent about the launch of [a fashion magazine], I regret responding so glibly to off-topic questions on such a difficult and sensitive subject. Of course this is not my official position and I apologise wholeheartedly for my use of language and any offence this may have caused."
Mr Rankin's spokeswoman said the comments were "half-baked" remarks in response to a question.
"He was asked about this and gave his thoughts," he said. "It's been spun. It's not his position."
But Mr Gardner said the photographer and the newspaper should repudiate the remarks.
"It's allegations about Jewish power over the media that distinguishes anti-Semitism from other forms of racism.
“Rankin may well not be an anti-Semite, in which case he should learn not to spread the stink of antisemitic claims about Jews running the media and Hollywood," he added.
Rankin has also worked extensively with Oxfam and had declared an interest in the religious divisions in the Holy Land but was not asked to visit on its behalf.
“I’ve worked (with) the best people in Oxfam and I’ve worked with the worst people in Oxfam,” he added.
“People have said to me if you go to Palestine you will be put on a list and it doesn’t matter if you’re a humanitarian. You will be put on a list. And I’m not political. I’m not religious. I don’t even believe in a God. I’m just about human beings.”
Johansson's spokesman said last month the Hollywood star could not ignore fundamental differences with the charity after the SodaStream advert was broadcast.
"She and Oxfam have a fundamental difference of opinion in regards to the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement. She is very proud of her accomplishments and fundraising efforts during her tenure with Oxfam,"
Oxfam however has condemned the SodaStream's operations in an Israeli industrial zone in the occupied territories.
"While Oxfam respects the independence of our ambassadors, Ms Johansson's role promoting the company SodaStream is incompatible with her role as an Oxfam Global Ambassador," it said. "Oxfam believes that businesses, such as SodaStream, that operate in settlements further the ongoing poverty and denial of rights of the Palestinian communities that we work to support."
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