Harun Nasrullah
Perry Greene, the ex-husband of US Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, has publicly apologised for verbally harassing three young Muslim women as they prayed in a car park at the Avalon shopping centre in Alpharetta, Georgia.
The apology came during a press conference organised by the Georgia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Georgia) on April 4, following the circulation of a viral video showing Greene shouting Islamophobic slurs from a Tesla Cybertruck at the women, all of whom were wearing hijabs.
“I just wanted them to know I humbly apologise to them because nobody should be treated that way, and that’s not the way to treat anyone with differences,” Greene said. “Hopefully they find it in their hearts to forgive me and we shouldn’t allow that in our society.”
The confrontation, which occurred on March 31, has reignited debate over rising anti-Muslim hate in the United States. The women had parked in a quiet area of the shopping centre to perform their afternoon prayers when Greene approached and began yelling slurs including “Go back to your country,” “You are worshipping a false God,” and “Don’t come here from your poor countries and act like you will bring your rubbish here.”
According to the victims, who shared their account exclusively with FOX 5 Atlanta on April 2, Greene also followed them in his vehicle as they attempted to leave, continuing to berate them. The footage quickly went viral, drawing widespread condemnation from civil rights organisations and the public.
CAIR-Georgia Executive Director Azka Mahmood said the incident was symptomatic of a growing trend.
“Since the genocide in Gaza began, CAIR-Georgia has recorded a 250% increase in anti-Muslim incidents in Georgia alone,” she said. “The harassment these young women faced is a painful reminder that Islamophobia remains a persistent threat in this country.”
The apology took place at the women’s place of worship in Johns Creek on April 4, where Greene met the victims privately before issuing his statement publicly. Their attorney, Ali Awad, said the gesture was a step toward healing.
“Our goal here is education. We do not kick people while they are down,” Awad said. “We chose to take the high ground today. We chose peace. We chose to allow Mr Greene to come to the community and issue an apology directly to the family.”
Awad added that Greene had expressed interest in making a donation to an organisation combatting Islamophobia. The incident has drawn renewed scrutiny not only because of the nature of the attack, but also due to the identity of the perpetrator.
Greene was married to far-right Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene for 27 years before their divorce was finalised on December 22, 2022. While she has no connection to the Alpharetta incident, the Congresswoman herself has faced longstanding criticism for promoting Islamophobic views.
In 2019, Marjorie Taylor Greene suggested that Muslims should not be allowed to serve in government, falsely accusing Representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib of being part of “an Islamic invasion.” She also previously claimed that mosques were being used to “promote Sharia law” and once alleged that “Democrats are trying to force conversion to Islam.”
Though she later attempted to distance herself from some of these remarks, Greene has continued to amplify conspiratorial and inflammatory rhetoric about Muslims and immigrants—views widely condemned by civil rights groups and mainstream political leaders alike.
While the Alpharetta Police Department confirmed they would not pursue criminal charges, citing First Amendment protections for speech, the incident has raised urgent questions about public safety for visibly Muslim individuals.
“This attack is a wake-up call,” said Mahmood. “No one should feel unsafe while practising their faith in public. We must continue working to educate our communities and confront hate wherever it appears.”
CAIR-Georgia is urging the Muslim community to remain vigilant and report incidents immediately. The organisation is continuing to support the three women involved, providing legal and emotional assistance in the wake of the attack.
Photo: Perry Greene, ex-husband of U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, publicly apologizes for verbally harassing three young Muslim women
(Credit: 11Alive/YouTube)*
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