The controversy stems from a live interview Sikorski gave on TVN24's Kropka nad i, hosted by Monika Olejnik. During the interview, Olejnik referenced alleged concerns within Poland's Civic Coalition (KO) about Applebaum's heritage, citing a claim later discredited. The conversation sparked significant media debate both domestically and internationally.
Ambassador Brzezinski, while praising Applebaum on social media for her scholarly contributions and deep connection to Poland, did not directly address the antisemitic undertones that emerged during the interview.
Previously, Sikorski had been questioned about whether his wife’s background caused tensions within his political circle.
Ambassador Brzezinski praises Anne Applebaum's contributions to U.S.-Polish relations
“Anne Applebaum is a dear friend. My late father, Zbigniew Brzezinski, held her in the highest esteem for her exceptional scholarship, profound understanding, love for Poland, and thoughtful insights,” emphasized Ambassador Brzezinski.
In an Instagram post, U.S. Ambassador to Poland Mark Brzezinski defended Anne Applebaum, his close friend, in the wake of a controversial interview with Polish FM Radosław Sikorski, her husband.
“Through her writing, Anne has arguably done more than any other scholar to deepen global awareness of the suffering and tragedies that have marked this region and Poland,” he noted.
“She is universally respected, and I am deeply grateful for her insightful counsel during my time here. Her work exemplifies the very best of the American-Polish partnership,” Brzezinski said warmly, praising the wife of Poland’s foreign minister.
FM Sikorski thanks U.S. Ambassador for remarks on Anne Applebaum
"In times when the winds of history blow stronger, we must not forget our values and respect," wrote Radosław Sikorski, thanking Mark Brzezinski for his thoughtful remarks about Anne Applebaum.
Complaints over antisemitic allusions in TVN24 interview with Sikorski
Two complaints were submitted to Poland's National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT) regarding a TVN24 program featuring Radosław Sikorski.
In the broadcast, journalist Monika Olejnik incorrectly cited the Catholic socio-cultural magazine Tygodnik Powszechny, claiming that some members of the Civic Coalition (KO) had reservations about the heritage of Sikorski's wife, Anne Applebaum.
The Foreign Minister left the studio before the show concluded, while Olejnik later apologized to viewers, stating her intention was to give Sikorski an opportunity to address the issue.
Source: X/@sikorskiradek/Instagram/@ambassadogteddy/KRRiTV
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