Rupert Murdoch, executive chairman of News Corp, joined the debate on religion and extremism Friday night with a tweet that some condemned as racist and Islamophobic.
Reacting to the deadly attack on Paris-based satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, Murdoch said Muslims should "be held responsible" for "their growing jihadist cancer."
Maybe most Moslems peaceful, but until they recognize and destroy their growing jihadist cancer they must be held responsible.— Rupert Murdoch (@rupertmurdoch) January 10, 2015
With "jihadist danger looming everywhere," Murdoch also criticized political correctness in a subsequent tweet.
Big jihadist danger looming everywhere from Philippines to Africa to Europe to US. Political correctness makes for denial and hypocrisy.— Rupert Murdoch (@rupertmurdoch) January 10, 2015
In response, some Twitter users called out Murdoch for being "bigoted" and "racist."
Oh good, Rupert Murdoch has waded into the Charlie Hebdo debate. I was wondering what an outdated, bigoted, sociopath might make of it all.— Adam Hills (@adamhillscomedy) January 10, 2015
I can't say for sure that Rupert Murdoch is racist. But his tweets sure are racist-esque. Or he's just ignorant. Or both.— Makho Ndlovu (@makhondlovu) January 10, 2015
Rupert Murdoch is an idiot. Comments like that are not only a mass racist generalisation but also not gonna help ANY current situations— QueenOx (@SakileParis) January 10, 2015
Rupert Murdoch reminding us all that use of the spelling "Moslem" is a surefire indication that someone's a racist douche.— Ian Steadman (@iansteadman) January 10, 2015
Others reacted to Murdoch's tweets sarcastically, using the News Corp CEO's own argument against him.
Rupert Murdoch thinks all Muslims should apologise for terrorism. So on behalf of white people I'd like to apologise for Rupert Murdoch.— Matt Haig (@matthaig1) January 10, 2015
I am calling on all members of the idiot community to condemn Rupert Murdoch. Otherwise I will hold all idiots responsible for him.— History Scientist (@historyscientis) January 10, 2015
As a white man I feel compelled I must apologise for recent comments made by Rupert Murdoch. He can't help being an idiot. Oh wait, he can.— Chris Lent (@MrChrisLent) January 10, 2015
This is not the first time Murdoch has drawn ire for his views on Islam and Muslims. In Aug. 2013, he tweeted that Muslims "find it hardest" to integrate in societies. His tweet was a response to a statement by Britain's former chief rabbi, Jonathan Sacks, who said multiculturalism "has had its day, and it’s time to move on."