Shirley MacLaine is facing stark criticism for a controversial passage in her latest book. The book, titled What If…: A Lifetime of Questions, Speculations, Reasonable Guesses, and a Few Things I Know For Sure, was published on November 2013. However, MacLaine remains under fire for some of the content.

As described by Amazon, the book “captures the one and only Shirley MacLaine at her witty, acerbic, imaginative, and irresistible best.” Unfortunately, the content has some people questioning the actress’ sanity.

I used to think @maclaineshirley was amusing. Now I think she’s nuts. And hatefully anti-Semetic. http://t.co/zl5lhtxiIp

— Mike Murray (@emmeffemm) February 13, 2015

MacLaine’s interest in reincarnation and past lives is nothing new. She first broached the subject in her 1983 book Out on a Limb. In 1985, she further explored the subject in another book, titled Dancing in the Light. In her previous work, MacLaine discussed how her past lives have affected her professional life and personal relationships. In her latest book, the actress suggests reincarnation and karma were responsible for one of the most devastating tragedies in history.

I’ve always thot Shirley MacLaine nuts, but blaming Holocaust victims 4 past lives sins is the most inane case of antisemitism imaginable.

— Mark (@19mark56) February 13, 2015

As discussed by Hollywood Reporter, MacLaine poses the question: “What if most Holocaust victims were balancing their karma from ages before… ” She goes on to explain her unusual theory.

“… when they were Roman soldiers putting Christians to death, the Crusaders who murdered millions in the name of Christianity, soldiers with Hannibal, or those who stormed across the Near East with Alexander?… The energy of killing is endless and will be experienced by the killer and the killee.”

In the controversial book, MacLaine also suggests Stephen Hawking subconsciously caused himself to develop ALS — as a way to “free his mind.” The actress implies the debilitating disease is a blessing, as it allows Hawking to better focus on his scientific research.

Shirley MacLaine is infamous for her eccentric beliefs. As reported by Express, the actress firmly believes she once served as a Japanese geisha and was “an orphan reared by ­elephants.” She has also admitted a keen interest in “angels, guides, basically extra-­terrestrials… things like that.”

Shirley MacLaine has turned into that crazy aunt no one wants to invite to Thanksgiving dinner…

— Charisse Van Horn (@charissemarie) February 17, 2015

Although unusual, her beliefs are generally harmless. Unfortunately, her comments about Holocaust victims struck a nerve. Shirley MacLaine’s critics have been outspoken in their criticism of her bizarre statements. However, neither the actress nor her publicist has commented on the controversy.

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