VJ is a caucasian. All Iranians are caucasian, other than those who invaded and imposed Islam on its culture. They’re Semites.
The comment was not not racist. It seems to be aimed at the fact that she looks a lot like the actress from Planet of the Apes.
I’m more concerned that she was cancelled because she named the Muslim Brotherhood, which became a protected group under Obama and Hillary. There is a lot of tip toeing around CAIR and other Muslim groups who are actually offshoots of the Muslim Brotherhood.
You are apparently unaware that VJ is a black American. She was born in Iran only because her parents were commies who were trying to get out of the country during the crackdown on subversives in the 50s. They came back to the US when VJ was a young girl.
The way things are today, if you say "ape" around anyone who is a little bit black, or even identifies as black, it is by definition a racist comment. Intent doesn't matter.
Myself, I don't think ValJar looks like an ape so much as one of the lizard people. It's in the bone structure.
I do not believe I have any disagreement with your assessment.
For the record I think she looks a lot like that actress as well. But whatever. Haters gonna hate.