Influencer Myron Gaines has drawn widespread condemnation after performing a Nazi salute and promoting antisemitic conspiracy theories during an appearance at Ohio University, reports The Jerusalem Post.
Gaines, whose real name is Amrou Fudl, visited the campus as part of a national speaking tour. During the event, he greeted students with a Nazi salute and made a series of inflammatory remarks, including claims that Jews control America and that the Holocaust death toll had been exaggerated.
When challenged by a Jewish student, Gaines stated that only “271,000” people were killed in the Holocaust — a claim widely recognised as Holocaust denial. He also dismissed evidence of atrocities committed during the October 7 attacks and accused Israel of promoting a “victim narrative.”
The appearance provoked strong backlash from student groups. The campus chapter of Hillel International said it was “deeply troubled” by the decision to host Gaines, citing his history of antisemitic, misogynistic and homophobic rhetoric. The group organised an alternative event to support affected students.
The university’s student newspaper, The Post, also criticised the administration for failing to publicly denounce the event, arguing that the rhetoric presented was not legitimate debate but “hate made into spectacle.”
Gaines, known for co-hosting the “Fresh and Fit” podcast, has increasingly been associated with extremist views. According to the Southern Poverty Law Centre, he has promoted antisemitic conspiracy theories since 2023 and has previously defended pro-Hitler remarks in online spaces.
In response to criticism, Ohio University stated that while it cannot legally prohibit protected speech, it recognises the harm such speech can cause. The university said it had engaged with Jewish student organisations, including Hillel and campus Chabad, to provide support.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions on university campuses over free speech and the limits of acceptable discourse, particularly as antisemitic rhetoric becomes more visible in public forums.
Photo credit: screenshot
More News
