Brett Favre apologized over the weekend after it was revealed that he was tricked into recording an anti-Semitic video for an organization claiming to represent veterans. The “Handsome Truth” and the “Goyim Defense League”, known anti-Semitic groups, paid Favre $500 to read a script that included coded language and dog whistle messaging, prompting Favre to speak out when it became clear he was tricked.
How Brett Favre was tricked into recording an anti-Semitic video
Favre apologized over the weekend.
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
The groups used “Cameo”, an app that allows users to pay celebrities to record short video messages. Favre was paid to read the message which was intentionally written not to raise Favre’s suspicions but still appeal to members inside those anti-Semitic groups.
What did Favre say in the video?
According to a transcript from Buzzfeed, Favre read the following:
“Brett Favre here with a shoutout to the Handsome Truth and the GDL boys. You guys are patriots in my eyes. So keep waking them up and don’t let the small get you down. Keep fighting, too, and don’t ever forget the USS Liberty and the men and women who died on that day. God bless and take care.”
What does this mean?
Favre opens with a shoutout to the groups before saying the phrase “keep waking them up.” The term “waking up” is used by anti-Semitic, men’s rights, and right-wing extremist groups to espouse red-pill ideology. This ideology claims there are groups trying to assert control over white men, and that white men can take part in a resistance against them by “waking up.”
“Don’t let the small get you down,” is another coded phrase. “The small” is an anti-Semitic reference to Yarmulkes.
Finally the script Favre read referenced the USS Liberty, a dog whistle for anti-Semites. The U.S. research ship was attacked by Israel during the Six-Day War in 1967, killing 34 U.S. soldiers, when it was mistaken by Israeli forces for an Egyptian ship.
Favre is one of several who have been tricked.
Buzzfeed News first reported on Favre’s video as part of a bigger story on problems with racism plaguing “Cameo”. The app, which launched earlier this year, has seen several celebrities get duped into recording messages with veiled racist language.
How did Favre respond?
Favre apologized on his Facebook page this weekend after he became aware of the messaging in the video he recorded.
On November 22, I received a request to record a shout-out supporting what appeared to be a U.S. veterans organization for Cameo, a company that enables consumers to book personalized video greetings from celebrities. I had previously fulfilled more than 50 of these requests without incident. Since I match service dogs with military veterans who have PTSD, I assumed that the request stemmed from my interest in veterans affairs and recorded the message.
A few days later, I was distressed to learn that the request came from an anti-Semitic group that reposted my video with comments implying that I endorsed their mission. Nothing could be further from the truth. I am therefore donating my $500 Cameo fee to Charities supporting their fight against hate and bigotry.
Like most Americans, I am sickened by what these groups stand for and concerned about their role in fueling today’s negative political climate. The Cameo request from this organization is a prime example of how these groups are misusing social media to promote their agenda. I thought I was creating a message to support the brave men and women of our military forces. Had I understood the source of the request, I never would have fulfilled it. All of us — myself included — need to be vigilant to protect this country from these dangers.
Brett
Cameo has not issued a statement following the Buzzfeed story other than to say it was “unaware” its platform was being used by hate groups. Favre is still prominent on Cameo’s front page as a “featured” celebrity.
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