Ms. Rachel, the children’s entertainer behind the hugely popular Songs for Littles franchise, has issued a tearful public apology after her Instagram account appeared to like a comment that read, “Free America from the Jews.”
The incident is not Ms. Rachel’s first brush with controversy related to this subject. Earlier this year, the U.S.-based advocacy group StopAntisemitism included her on a list of nominees for its “Antisemite of the Year” designation, citing her social media posts about civilian suffering in Gaza and criticism of Israeli government actions.
Why It Matters
Ms. Rachel—whose real name is Rachel Accurso—is one of the most influential figures in children’s media, with tens of millions of followers across YouTube and Netflix and a reputation built on trust from parents and caregivers.
The incident also comes amid heightened attention around antisemitism and political speech related to the Israel–Palestinian conflict, placing public figures under intense scrutiny for their online actions.
What To Know
The controversy began when users noticed that Ms. Rachel’s verified Instagram account had liked a comment below her own video containing antisemitic language. The comment read: “Free America from the Jews.” Screenshots circulated widely, prompting backlash and calls for an explanation.
In response, Ms. Rachel posted a tearful video stating that she had intended to delete the comment but mistakenly tapped “like” instead. “I would never agree with an antisemitic thing like the comment,” she said, adding that she regularly removes hateful remarks from her page.
She emphasized that she has Jewish family members and friends, said she “hates antisemitism,” and apologized for the confusion and hurt caused. In the video, she described herself as “human” and acknowledged that she has accidentally liked comments before.
“This isn’t what I believe, and it isn’t who I am,” she said, adding that she was shocked when she realized the mistake had gone public.
What People Are Saying
In a video on Instagram, Ms. Rachel said: “Everyone who knows me knows that I would never like that. And the message shows that I said, I deleted that. That’s what I thought happened.”
Comedian Kaneez Surka said on Instagram: “This has happened to me so many times before—I’m just scrolling and my big thumb presses the heart. We love you.”
Debbie Lechtman, host of podcast Jew Wanna Talk?!, said: “Imagine if Jews posted online crying every time we got hate on social media lol. Girl bye.”
What Happens Next
Ms. Rachel has not indicated that she plans to alter her advocacy, saying in her video that she remains proud of her work and beliefs. Since the apology, she has continued to be vocal on social media about victims of the Israel-Gaza war.
Ms. Rachel has raised more than $1 million for organizations supporting children in conflict zones including Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan. She has been vocal about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and is a strong critic of Israel.
In a video on YouTube in 2025, she sang with a 3-year-old double amputee from Gaza, while earlier this month she curated an exhibition of artwork from Palestinian kids Caelum Gallery in New York with proceeds going to young Palestinian artists.
