Tucker Carlson, the former Fox News host and now independent podcaster, issued a public apology , after falsely claiming that Israeli President Isaac Herzog had visited Little St. James, Jeffrey Epstein’s private island. The retraction followed a strongly worded letter from Herzog’s team and underscores the sensitivity surrounding allegations linking public figures to the convicted sex offender.
Carlson’s initial claim, made during an interview with former Arkansas Governor and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, referenced an AI-generated image circulated by Times of London reporter Gabrielle Weiniger. Weiniger subsequently admitted the image was fabricated. “The current president of Israel, whom I know you know, apparently was at ‘Pedo Island.’ That’s what it says,” Carlson stated in the original interview, according to reports. He further suggested that “still-living, high-level Israeli officials are directly implicated in Epstein’s life, if not his crimes.”
In a two-minute video posted on X, Carlson walked back his assertions. “They didn’t know each other, they never emailed with each other, never been in the same room. They had no relationship of any kind,” he stated, directly addressing the connection between Herzog and Epstein. He clarified that he was referring to the AI-generated image and a related protest, but emphasized he had no independent knowledge of Herzog’s presence on the island. “So I just want to say clearly I’m sorry to imply that I knew something I didn’t know — of course I didn’t know that Isaac Herzog was on that island,” he said.
The apology came after receiving what Carlson described as a “long letter” from Herzog’s team. The incident highlights the potential for misinformation, particularly when amplified through social media and influential platforms. The speed with which Carlson issued a retraction suggests a recognition of the seriousness of the allegations and the potential legal and reputational ramifications.
This episode also occurs against a backdrop of increased scrutiny of Carlson’s commentary on Israel. He has been a vocal critic of US-Israel policy and has faced accusations of antisemitism. The Jerusalem Post characterized Carlson’s initial claim as a “direct attack on Israel,” arguing it was part of a broader pattern of misinformation targeting the country. This context adds another layer of complexity to the situation, raising questions about the motivations behind the initial claim and the subsequent apology.
The fallout extends beyond the immediate retraction. Carlson’s recent trip to Israel was already generating controversy. He previously claimed he and his staff were “detained” by airport security at Ben Gurion Airport, a claim later undermined by security footage showing him posing for photos with airport employees. This pattern of disputed accounts raises concerns about the accuracy of his reporting and the potential for deliberate misrepresentation.
The case serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of relying on unverified information, particularly in the digital age. The rapid spread of AI-generated content, as demonstrated by the fabricated image of Herzog, poses a significant challenge to media integrity and public trust. The incident also underscores the importance of robust fact-checking and the willingness of media figures to promptly correct errors.
Jeffrey Epstein’s name continues to resonate due to the extensive network of powerful individuals associated with him. His death in a Manhattan jail in while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges has fueled ongoing investigations and legal battles. The allegations surrounding his island, Little St. James, remain a source of intense public interest and scrutiny.
While Carlson’s apology appears to have addressed the immediate concerns raised by Herzog’s team, the incident is likely to have lasting repercussions for his credibility and his coverage of Israel. The episode also serves as a reminder of the potential for misinformation to quickly escalate and the importance of responsible journalism in an increasingly complex media landscape.
