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March 22, 2002/Nisan 9, 5762, Vol. 54, No. 27
Nash denies charges of anti-Semitism
TOM TUGEND
Jewish Telegraphic Agency
John Nash, the brilliant mathematician who life is portrayed in the Oscar-nominated movie "A Beautiful Mind," has denied allegations that he hates Jews.
Interviewed by Mike Wallace on a "60 Minutes" broadcast aired March 17, Nash acknowledged that "I did have strange ideas during certain periods of time."
During his decades-long struggle with schizophrenia, Nash had paranoid delusions in which he saw himself threatened by Jews and the State of Israel. He also claimed to be an Arab refugee, Job, the left foot of God and the emperor of Antarctica.
"Everyone with whom I have talked to who knows John, everyone says no, he didn't feel that way about Jews at all," Wallace said.
The charges are based on quotes in a biography of Nash that served as a basis for the film.
The author of the biography, New York Times reporter and Columbia University journalism teacher Sylvia Nasar, attributed Nash's statements to his schizophrenia, rather than any anti-Semitic feelings.
It is widely suspected that the accusations of anti-Semitism were launched by a studio fielding a movie in competition with "A Beautiful Mind" for best picture honors, or with its director Ron Howard and star Russell Crowe, who are nominated for awards in their categories.
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