Squad member apologizes for calling October 7 rapes propaganda: “I won’t be perfect”

Squad member Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., apologized for denying that Hamas raped women and committed other atrocities during the terror group’s Oct. 7 massacre in Israel.

In an interview with radio station WNYC on Monday, the progressive politician admitted that it was wrong to initially downplay the rape allegations against Hamas in the weeks following the terrorist attack last year.

“I apologize for my comments,” Bowman told a listener who asked him about his propaganda claim on the show.

“SQUAD” MEMBER DEFENDS THE EXPRESSION “RIVER TO THE SEA,” WHICH IS UNDERSTOOD AS A CALL FOR THE “EXTERMINATION” OF THE JEWS

Rep. Jamaal Bowman (DN.Y.) eventually apologized for claiming that allegations that Hamas raped women on October 7 were “propaganda.” (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc)

The congressman made his originally controversial remarks on November 17 during a pro-Palestinian rally in Westchester, New York.

“At the beginning of the siege, propaganda was used,” he told a crowd of about 50 protesters. “There is still no evidence of babies being beheaded or women being raped. But they are still using this lie for propaganda.”

Bowman admitted he was wrong months after making these claims, and the following March he issued a statement confirming reports that Hamas had committed rape during the deadly attack.

Politico reported his statement, in which the lawmaker said: “The UN has confirmed that Hamas has committed rape and sexual violence, a reprehensible fact that I fully condemn. I also voted yes on Resolution 966, which officially condemns the rape and sexual violence committed by Hamas. So let me be clear and make sure my words are not twisted: I always oppose sexual violence in any form and stand for peace for all.”

In his interview with WNYC this week, Bowman pointed out that he changed his mind once he saw evidence from the UN. He said, “Immediately when the (UN) presented additional evidence, I voted to condemn the sexual violence.”

AOC IS ACCUSED FOR SAYING FALSE ACCUSATIONS OF ANTISEMITISM ARE DIRECTED AGAINST PEOPLE OF COLOR

Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) speaks at the three-day annual convention of the National Action Network (NAN) on April 7, 2022 in New York City. Getty Images Westchester, New York, County Executive George Latimer. (Getty/Westchester County)

“As soon as I received the additional information from the UN, we condemned the sexual violence, we voted to condemn and we are continuing our work,” he said elsewhere.

The Squad member also expressed his modesty in the interview and admitted that his claims on November 17 were “mistakes.”

“I’m not going to be perfect. I’m going to make mistakes. I’m going to say things that hurt people, even if I don’t mean them. When I do that, I’m going to take responsibility for it. I’m going to own up to it,” he said on WNYC.

He added: “I want to learn and develop and be the best representative I can be. That’s how my mother raised me, that’s how I was as an educator and that’s how I am now.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Bowman is running in a Democratic primary against Westchester County Executive George Latimer to represent New York’s 16th district. Latimer was recently endorsed by Hillary Clinton, an endorsement Bowman mocked in a recent CNN appearance.

The New York Post recently cited an Emerson College/WPIX poll showing Bowman trailing Latimer by 17 points among likely voters.