New York, NY, April 8, 1996...The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today called actor Marlon Brando's remarks about Jews in Hollywood "outrageous and offensive."

Reacting to Marlon Brando's comments on "Larry King Live," on Friday, April 5, that Jews run Hollywood and exploit stereotypes of minorities, but never of Jews, Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, issued the following statement:

It was shocking to hear Marlon Brando, the acclaimed actor and champion of civil rights, invoke the anti-Semitic canard that "Hollywood is run by Jews, it is owned by Jews..." and blame Jews for exploiting stereotypes of minorities, "but we never saw the kike because they know perfectly well that's where you draw the wagons around."

Mr. Brando should know that what he said is utterly false, extremely offensive and plays into the hands of anti-Semites and bigots. His comments raise the centuries-old canard of Jewish control and conspiracy, and his use of an anti-Semitic epithet is hurtful to Jews everywhere.

Hollywood studios are owned and movies are made by men and women, some of whom are Jewish, many of whom are not. Those Jews who enter the movie industry have done so as individuals, not as representatives of their religious group or with an aim to act in some coordinated conspiratorial manner.

Mr. Brando owes an apology to the Jewish men and women who work in Hollywood for vilifying them and to all Jews for his stereotyping and use of an anti-Semitic epithet.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.