Outrage At PaleyFest: Yuval David Slams 'Bloody Hand' Pin Display During Marvel Panel

The Paley Center for Media is facing backlash after an influencer wearing a controversial antisemitic pin was featured in a promotional Instagram post during this year’s PaleyFest.

The image promoting the upcoming Marvel series "Agatha All Along" shows the influencer proudly displaying a "bloody hand" pin, which is a symbol widely condemned as glorifying violence against Jews.

Emmy Award-winning actor and activist Yuval David, a member of The Brigade, which represents some 700 producers, filmmakers, agents, managers, publicists, executives, actors, and actresses, has called on the Paley Center to immediately remove the post and issue a formal apology to the Jewish community.

In an exclusive statement sent to The Blast, David expressed, "The bloody hand pin is incredibly antisemitic. It represents the sheer violence of the Second Intifada, in which Palestinian terrorists murdered Jews in the West Bank with their bare hands."

The Emmy-Award-winning actor went on to explain, "On October 12, 2000, terrorists lynched two Israelis in the West Bank, with one (Aziz Salha) appearing in the window with bloodied hands after he murdered them with those same hands. For Jews across the world, the symbol is a reminder of this antisemitic murder and automatically triggers us just like when we see swastikas."

The image of a red hand has recently gained traction on social media and at public demonstrations as a symbol representing the call for a ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Supporters use the image to convey solidarity with civilians affected by the violence and to advocate for an immediate end to hostilities.

However, its use has also sparked controversy, with critics arguing that the symbol can be perceived as one-sided or insensitive, especially when removed from its broader geopolitical context.

“It is disgraceful and dangerous that the Paley Center has chosen to amplify an influencer proudly displaying the antisemitic 'bloody hand' pin, a symbol celebrating violence against Jews,” David added.

In response to growing backlash, Yuval David addressed the need for accountability and education rather than cancellation.

"A meaningful apology would be to have The Paler Center issue a statement condemning this action, opening an investigation as to why this influencer was invited to an event in the first place, and how it was featured on their pages when they are literally hosting a panel about antisemitism on social media next week," he told The Blast. "They should also offer to educate this influencer as to why the bloody hand pin is so hurtful to Jews worldwide."

"Instead of canceling the influencer, they should offer to have her visit the Holocaust Museum LA to receive an education about why her actions are disrespectful to the Jewish community," he added.

The timing of the controversy has drawn particular criticism, as the Paley Center is set to host an upcoming event titled “Social Media as a Tactic to Fight Antisemitism.”

“Even more ironic and troubling is that the Paley Center is hosting an event next week titled 'Social Media as a Tactic to Fight Antisemitism,’” David added. “The Paley Center must immediately apologize to the Jewish community at large for platforming this form of hate and remove the post. Platforms must consistently stand against hate, not selectively elevate it.”

The influencer interviewed Ali Ahn, who noticed the pin and reacted by saying, “Wow, wow, this is amazing. I’m looking at you. Oh, you’ve got the pin.”

She also spoke with Kathryn Hahn, though Hahn didn’t acknowledge the pin; instead, she complimented the rich purple the influencer was wearing, calling it stunning.

As of now, the organization has not publicly responded to requests for comment.

With the Paley Center positioning itself as a hub for media discourse and social responsibility, critics say its silence sends the wrong message. For now, all eyes remain on the institution as calls for accountability continue to grow.