Jeremy Hales Anti-Semitism Backlash: YouTube Star Faces Fire Over Anti-Semitic Rhetoric

In a recent interview on Slam the Gavel with host Maryann Petri, investigative journalist Richard Luthmann didn’t hold back, exposing Hales’ troubling statements, his monetization of conflict, and the dangerous influence of his YouTube allies, Megan Fox (@MeganFoxWriter) and Matthew Lewis (@ThatUmbrellaGuy or TUG).

Hales, known for his What The Hale$ YouTube channel, initially built his brand on storage unit auctions. However, according to Luthmann, that wasn’t bringing in enough clicks, so Hales turned to online feuds, using legal battles to generate drama and cash.

“He realized these legal spats with his neighbors were drawing four, five, six times the viewers than his storage content,” Luthmann told Petri. “So now he’s got this whole little echo chamber of YouTubers who talk about the case non-stop, keeping the controversy alive.”

That controversy centers on Hales’s lawsuit against his neighbors, which Luthmann describes as a “baseless, he-said-she-said defamation case.” The real problem is how Hales and his supporters have chosen to attack opposing counsel Bruce Matzkin, a Jewish attorney.

“They call him ‘Deuce Foreskin,’” Luthmann said. “They mock his nose, they tell him he needs to find Christ, and they even joke about making a bobblehead of his nose.”

Rabbi Bellinsky Speaks Out: ‘This is Anti-Semitism’

Matzkin isn’t the only one alarmed by the Jeremy Hales Anti-Semitism. Rabbi Jacob Bellinsky, an advocate and religious leader, has condemned Hales’ remarks as blatant anti-Semitism.

“The use of anti-Semitic tropes and the deliberate choice to refer to Mr. Matzkin as ‘Deuce Foreskin’—an apparent reference to a well-known slur—represents more than mere insults,” Rabbi Bellinsky said. “These echo historical patterns of dehumanization that have no place in our modern society.”

Bellinsky also pointed out how dangerous it is when online influencers like Hales use their platforms to spread bigotry.

“When such behavior is broadcast to hundreds of thousands of YouTube followers and monetized through content creation, it risks normalizing anti-Semitism for a new generation,” he warned.

The YouTube Echo Chamber: Fox & TUG Defend Jeremy Hales Anti-Semitism

Instead of denouncing Hales’ comments, his allies—Megan Fox and ThatUmbrellaGuy—have attacked Hales and attempted to discredit his critics.

“Megan Fox was once a respected journalist,” Luthmann said. “Now she’s just a Jeremy Hales groupie, pushing whatever narrative he wants.”

According to Luthmann, the same is true of Matthew Lewis, who has devoted hours of YouTube content to smearing Hales’s detractors.

“These people don’t do real journalism,” Luthmann said. “They’re drama vultures who figured out that hate and outrage make money.”

Beyond anti-Semitism, Luthmann says Hales and his circle push disturbing eugenicist rhetoric.

“They openly discuss the idea that ‘stupid parents’ shouldn’t have children,” Luthmann said. “They joke about kids eating paint chips. That’s not just offensive. It’s outright evil.”

Weaponizing the Legal System for YouTube Clicks

Luthmann has no issue with covering legal cases—if they’re real. But he says Hales has crossed the line into manufacturing legal drama for financial gain.

“They realized Amber Heard vs. Johnny Depp made everyone on YouTube a lot of money,” he said. “So now they’re trying to create their own version of that by turning this neighbor dispute into an internet sensation.”

But, according to Luthmann, this case is nothing more than a fabricated spectacle.

“This could have been resolved in 30 minutes with a good judge,” he said. “But that doesn’t make good content, so they have to stretch it out, keep it going, keep the outrage machine running.”

Luthmann’s Ties to the Jewish Community

Though not Jewish himself, Luthmann has deep respect for the Jewish community and has spoken about how Rabbi Spritzer and the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe helped him during difficult times.

“In my darkest time in life, at a point where I had lost all hope, I was saved by a simple message from Rabbi Spritzer and the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe,” Luthmann said. “Their wisdom helped me shed my wickedness, heal as a human being, and find compassion and meaning in my life.”

That personal connection makes Hales’ rhetoric all the more offensive to Luthmann.

“I cannot stand by while these people use their platforms to spew hate and poison minds,” he said. “They were warned.”

Hales’ Legal Defense: ‘I Have a Jewish Lawyer’

In response to the backlash, Hales and his defenders have attempted to dismiss the controversy by pointing out that his lawyer, Randy Shochet, is Jewish. Rabbi Bellinsky, however, isn’t buying it.

“That excuse is as ridiculous as saying, ‘I have a Black friend, so I can’t be racist,’” he said.

Luthmann was equally unimpressed.

“That’s like saying you can use the N-word because you like fried chicken,” he said. “It’s a pathetic excuse and an insult to everyone who actually cares about fighting bigotry.”

A Call for Accountability: Jeremy Hales Anti-Semitism

Despite the mounting evidence, Hales has refused to apologize or acknowledge his offensive comments. Instead, his echo chamber continues to defend him while attacking his critics. But Rabbi Bellinsky remains hopeful that people will see Hales for what he truly is.

“Our response to such behavior should be to strengthen our commitment to building bridges between communities, fostering understanding, and demonstrating through our actions the values of respect and human dignity that are fundamental to all faiths,” Bellinsky said.

Luthmann, however, was more direct in his warning.

“Hales and his goons have a choice,” he said. “They can stop the hate, or they can deal with the consequences.”

The question now is: will they listen?