Kyrie Irving Finally Apologizes for Promoting Antisemitic Film after Nets Suspension
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Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving finally apologized for sharing an antisemitic documentary, Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America, on Twitter last Friday, after being suspended by the team.
“While doing research on YHWH [God], I posted a Documentary that contained some false anti-Semitic statements, narratives, and language that were untrue and offensive to the Jewish Race/Religion, and I take full accountability and responsibility for my actions,” Irving wrote on Instagram. “To All Jewish families and Communities that are hurt and affected from my post, I am deeply sorry to have caused you pain, and I apologize.”
Irving’s latest statements came on the heels of a bad press conference Thursday. When asked by reporters whether Irving held antisemitic views or whether the documentary was antisemitic, he said simply: “I’m not the one that made the documentary.”
The star shooting guard’s refusal to apologize prompted the Nets to suspend him indefinitely and for a minimum of five games.
“We were dismayed today, when given an opportunity in a media session, that Kyrie refused to unequivocally say he has no antisemitic beliefs, nor acknowledge specific hateful material in the film. This was not the first time he had the opportunity — but failed — to clarify,” the Nets said in a statement.
Irving’s lack of remorse also prompted the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), an anti-hate organization, to return a $500,000 donation he had made this week.
“We were optimistic, but after watching the debacle of a press conference, it’s clear that Kyrie feels no accountability for his actions…@ADL cannot in good conscience accept his donation,” the organization’s CEO, Jonathan Greenblatt, tweeted.
Pressure had been mounting on Irving over the week as NBA commentators have condemned his initial support for and then ambivalence towards the documentary.
“In years past, this league [NBA] has been great because the players have led the way and they have strong voices…The players have dropped the ball on this case when it’s been one of their own. It’s been crickets,” Miller stated during Tuesday night’s broadcast which featured the Nets versus the Chicago Bulls.
Irving has been a talented as well as controversial figure throughout his basketball career. Last year, he sat on the sideline for much of the season because he refused to get vaccinated against Covid and was not compliant with NBA rules. He is currently the vice president of the NBA players union.
The incident comes after a number of brands cut ties with celebrity musician Kanye West over a series of antisemitic remarks he made during interviews and on social media.
