Haider Retracts Remark About Jewish Leader
- Share via
Far-right Austrian governor Joerg Haider has apologized for making derogatory comments about the leader of Vienna’s Jewish community and has withdrawn the remarks.
The out-of-court settlement ends a legal case against Haider, the ex-leader of the Freedom Party, on 14 counts linked to anti-Semitism.
Ariel Muzicant went to court after Haider ridiculed him at a party gathering last year. In a mocking reference to Muzicant’s first name, which is also that of a popular detergent, Haider said: “I don’t understand how someone called Ariel can have so much dirt on his hands.”
In a statement, Haider said he “withdraws” his remarks with “regret and apology.”
More to Read
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.