Whoopi Goldberg insists she wasn't 'doubling down' on controversial comments about Jews after being branded 'offensive' by Anti-Defamation League CEO

• Whoopi Goldberg apologized after CEO of the Anti-Defamation League called her comments "offensive."
• The star recently caused controversy by saying the Holocaust "wasn't originally" about race.

Whoopi Goldberg stirred up controversy over the holidays after appearing to double down on her previous comments on Jews and race in an interview with the Times of London.

The star was discussing the context around her previous statements that got her suspended from cohosting "The View" talk show when she further explained her stance on Jews, saying that the Holocaust "wasn't originally" about race.

But Goldberg has since addressed her remarks after Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt called for her to apologize on Twitter for her "deeply offensive" and "ignorant" comments.

Greenblatt said that her words "show a complete lack of awareness of the multiethnic, multiracial makeup of the Jewish community."

The actor apologized in a statement to Variety Tuesday, explaining that she was trying to recall her thoughts and feelings from earlier in the year, rather than repeating the comments.

Goldberg said: "Recently while doing press in London, I was asked about my comments from earlier this year. I tried to convey to the reporter what I had said and why, and attempted to recount that time."

The star explained that she wasn't trying to reaffirm those remarks, noting that she has since spoken with people in the community to try to make amends.

Goldberg said: "It was never my intention to appear as if I was doubling down on hurtful comments, especially after talking with and hearing people like rabbis and old and new friends weighing in.

"I'm still learning a lot and believe me, I heard everything everyone said to me. I believe that the Holocaust was about race, and I am still as sorry now as I was then that I upset, hurt and angered people."

The 67-year-old star again said that she wasn't trying to double down on her previous comments, strongly expressing her support for Jewish people.

Goldberg added: "My sincere apologies again, especially to everyone who thought this was a fresh rehash of the subject. I promise it was not. In this time of rising antisemitism, I want to be very clear when I say that I always stood with the Jewish people and always will. My support for them has not wavered and never will."