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<\/a><\/p>\nMyron Gaines speaks on Ohio University’s campus on March 26, 2026. (Screenshot)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Seated at a table on the campus of Ohio University wearing a hoodie that read \u201cLet Em Cook \u2013 Oy Vey,\u201d a meme mocking Jews who were murdered in the Holocaust, Gaines greeted the students gathered with a Nazi salute before saying, \u201cNumber one, women are stupid, Jews control America and Blacks are criminals.\u201d<\/p>\n
Later during the event, Gaines, whose real name is Amrou Fudl, was asked by a Jewish attendee how many people he believed had been killed by the Holocaust, to which he replied \u201c271,000 at best.\u201d<\/p>\n
During the ensuing debate, Gaines attempted to cut off the student, saying \u201chold on one sec, Jew,\u201d claimed that Israel had propagated lies about the Holocaust\u2019s death toll to serve its \u201cvictim narrative\u201d and denied evidence that rape occurred during Hamas\u2019 Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel.<\/p>\n
Referring to the war in Gaza, Gaines said, \u201cIf they could deny a genocide in 2023 all the way to 2026 with 1080p footage, what makes you think they won\u2019t lie about a tragic event from World War II, from which they derive their victim narrative.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gaines\u2019 visit to the school follows a series of incendiary campus appearances, including at the University of Florida and the University of South Carolina.<\/p>\n
Best known for co-hosting the popular podcast \u201cFresh and Fit,\u201d which centers on misogynistic views about dating and gender roles, Gaines has increasingly embraced antisemitic conspiracy theories since the summer of 2023, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center.<\/p>\n
In October, Gaines defended a leaked group chat where Young Republicans operatives praised Adolf Hitler, writing on social media, \u201cYeah we like Hitler. No one gives a f\u2013k what you woke jews think anymore.\u201d In January, Gaines was among a host of far-right influencers including Nick Fuentes and Andrew Tate who drew outcry for singing along to Ye\u2019s \u201cHeil Hitler\u201d at a Miami nightclub.<\/p>\n
The Hillel chapter of Ohio University decried Gaines\u2019 appearance on campus in a post on Instagram and hosted a lunch during the time period that he was slated to speak to offer students an alternative to his program, according to the Cleveland Jewish News.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are deeply troubled by the decision of our fellow Bobcats to invite a podcaster with a long and horrible track record of antisemitic, misogynistic, and homophobic content,\u201d the Ohio University Hillel wrote. \u201cAt a time when our students are feeling especially vulnerable due to rising antisemitism, this choice is especially concerning.\u201d<\/p>\n
The editorial board of the school\u2019s student newspaper, The Post, criticized the university administration for not releasing a statement denouncing Gaines\u2019 appearance in an op-ed published on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
\u201cA man who promotes antisemitic conspiracy theories, claims Jewish people control the world \u2014 as evident by the shirt reading \u2018The Great Noticing\u2019 worn by one of Gaines\u2019 lackeys \u2014 and performs a Nazi salute on a college campus is not engaging in meaningful dialogue,\u201d the op-ed read. \u201cThat is not a thoughtful debate, it is hate made into spectacle.\u201d<\/p>\n
In response to a request for comment from JTA, an Ohio University spokesperson said that while it was \u201cnot legally permitted to prohibit free speech, including controversial speech,\u201d it was \u201caware of the ways in which some instances of protected speech can personally impact various members of our community\u201d and had been in communication with the campus Chabad and Hillel chapters to \u201csupport impacted students, faculty and staff.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMoving forward, we remain committed to working alongside our University community, and within the established boundaries of the law, to foster a respectful campus environment that furthers our institutional mission and supports the success of our students, faculty and staff,\u201d the statement read.<\/p>\n