Tribeca Film Festival organizers on Sunday condemned Elon Gold's joke about being raped by Israeli dogs, calling it "offensive and unacceptable" after the "The Wedding Artist" star made the remark toward blogger Lizzy Savetsky, who continued the joke.
«"The Tribeca Film Festival is aware of the concerns raised regarding a video circulating on social media and unequivocally condemns the offensive and inappropriate remarks made by Elon Gold and Lizzie Savetsky at the premiere of 'The Wedding Artist (The Story of Moishe Badhan),'" the film said in a statement posted on social media.
«"Sexual violence and human suffering should never be ridiculed or trivialized. These comments do not reflect the values of the Tribeca Film Festival, and we regret any pain and offense caused. We have been unable to contact the filmmakers.".
In a conversation with Savetsky, Gold noted that the film was shot in Israel. "That's a really big deal, and for a film shot in Israel, that's pretty damn cool. I was only raped by two Israeli dogs," he said.
«"I thought they only raped Palestinians," replied Savetsky, an ardent supporter of Israel.
«No, I also got a dog,» Gold added.
In May, the United Nations called on Israel to "review and amend its detention laws, policies, and practices" in response to allegations of abuse and torture by Israeli guards against Palestinians in detention. A recent UN report "recorded 52 cases of various forms of torture or other ill-treatment, as well as an additional 33 cases of sexual torture and other forms of sexual violence.".
These incidents reportedly include "severe beatings, awkward positions, excessive use of restraints, electric shocks, sleep deprivation, malnutrition and starvation, prolonged incommunicado detention, and inhumane and degrading conditions characterized by overcrowding, unsanitary conditions and the spread of disease, denial of medical care, lack of sunlight and ventilation.".
Other allegations include sexual torture. "Eleven male detainees reported beatings, grabbing, electric shocks, and dog attacks on their genitals. Humiliating and degrading strip searches, including sexually explicit gazes and intimidation of both male and female detainees, were recorded.".
The article, titled "Tribeca Film Festival Condemns Elon Gold's 'Offensive and Unacceptable' Comments on Palestinian Rape," first appeared on TheWrap.