Kyrie Irving, Brooklyn Nets release joint statement with Anti-Defamation League addressing controversial social media post
The Brooklyn Nets and star Kyrie Irving have released an official statement alongside the Anti-Defamation League after his recent controversy. The often-controversial NBA star found himself at the center of another issue recently after he shared a link to a movie via social media that has been decried for sharing anti-Semitic beliefs.
Kyrie Irving shares joint statement with Nets ownership
Fans, former players, Nets owner Joe Tsai and the Anti-Defamation League were all among those who called out Irving and claimed his post was dangerous. Irving defended his decision to share the movie’s link, stating that he does not agree with every part of the movie’s contents but that he is “not going to stand down on anything I believe in.”
On Wednesday, it appears that Irving and the Nets reached some form of conclusion to the controversy — releasing a statement with the Anti-Defamation League and announcing that Irving and the Nets would donate $500,000 each to organizations that combat hate and intolerance in communities.
“I oppose all forms of hatred and oppression and stand strong with communities that are marginalized and impacted every day,” said Irving in the statement.
“I am aware of the negative impact of my post towards the Jewish community and I take responsibility. I do not believe everything said in the documentary was true or reflects my morals and principles. I am a human being learning from all walks of life and I intend to do so with an open mind and a willingness to listen. So from my family and I, we meant no harm to any one group, race or religion of people, and wish to only be a beacon of truth and light.”
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The movie in question is a 2018 film titled “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America.” The movie is based on a book of the same name, and both have been decried by multiple organizations as anti-Semitic in theme. Critics of Irving for his decision to share the movie’s link point out that he provided zero context for what specific beliefs he agreed with in the film — and that his massive social media following was seeing the NBA figure providing legitimacy to the documentary.
“The book and film he promotes trade in deeply anti-Semitic themes, including those promoted by dangerous sects of the Black Hebrew Israelites movement. Irving should clarify now,” said the Anti-Defamation League shortly after the controversy began.
Irving was involved in a heated post-game interview after sharing the link, confronting a reporter who asked about his post and defending that he didn’t promote anything — people were free to read what they wanted.
“Did I do anything illegal,” asked Irving when questioned. “Did I hurt anybody, did I harm anybody? Am I going out and saying that I hate one specific group of people?
“It’s on Amazon, a public platform, whether you want to go watch it or not, is up to you. There’s things being posted every day. I’m no different than the next human being, so don’t treat me any different.”