Dave Bateman doubles down on antisemitic conspiracy theory

Dave Bateman, the former Entrata co-founder and chairman who stepped down after sending an antisemitic conspiracy-laden email this month, apologized on Friday, while also appearing to double down.

Earlier this month, Bateman sent an email to Utah tech and political leaders claiming the COVID-19 vaccine was part of a genocidal plot by “the Jews” to kill much of the world’s population.

Bateman posted an apology to his Instagram account on Friday attempting to clarify his comments. He said he had “great love for the Jewish people,” while more specifically blaming a Jewish “secret society” for the genocidal conspiracy.

“My beef is with the khabbalist (sic) central banking, secret society jews. Not the amazing, humble, and industrious Jewish people,” Bateman wrote in a post to Instagram Stories.

For centuries, antisemitic conspiracy theories have blamed Jews for all manner of atrocities. A number of current conspiracies allege Jews control banking, Hollywood and the news media.

A 2021 report by the anti-hate group HOPE Not Hate, among others, concludes the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified interest in the “New World Order” conspiracy theory that a secret cabal of Jewish elites is plotting to take over the world. The report adds social media has amplified those beliefs.

“I’m a tech entrepreneur who retired early and am bored and lazy so this is how I’m sharing some theories I have. I could be wrong. But I’m afraid I’m right,” Bateman’s post read.

Bateman made his Instagram account private after his original email caused an uproar.

“I’m sharing this on Instagram stories because every other platform would censor it,” he wrote.

In a text message to The Salt Lake Tribune on Friday, Bateman confirmed the post came from his Instagram Stories, but said it was made before his email on Jan. 4.

Instagram Stories disappear 24 hours after they’re posted unless the user saves them. Bateman added he did not know why the post was being circulated on Friday, and that he had taken down all of the content from his account.

“I have love for the Jewish people. That has always been a constant,” he added.

Bateman declined to comment any further.

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