Nets' Kyrie Irving Apologizes to Jewish Community After Promoting Antisemitic Film

Irving apologized to the Jewish community after promoting an antisemitic film on social media.

Irving made a statement on the social media site.

While researching YHWH, I posted a Documentary that contained false anti-Semitic statements, narratives, and language that were untrue and offensive to the Jewish Race/Religion. I'm grateful to have a big platform to share knowledge and I want to grow from it.

I apologize to all Jewish families and communities that have been hurt by my post. I initially reacted out of emotion to being labeled Anti-Semitic, instead of focusing on the healing process of my Jewish Brothers and Sisters that were hurt from the documentary. I apologize for posting the documentary without context and a factual explanation, which I disagreed with, in order to clear up any confusion about my stance against Anti- semticism. I didn't mean to disrespect the Jewish cultural history regarding the Holocaust. I hope we can understand each other after this unfortunate event. I'm just like any other human being. I know who I am and I am searching for truth and knowledge.

He promoted the film on his social media accounts. According to a Rolling Stone article, it contains ideas that are in line with the Black Hebrew Israelites, which have a long history of discrimination.

The governor of the Nets wanted to meet with the veteran point guard so that he could recognize his actions were harmful.

Joe Tsai @joetsai1999

This is bigger than basketball

The Nets organization issued a statement condemning hate speech the same day.

The Brooklyn Nets do not tolerate the promotion of hate speech. Our first action must be open and honest. We would like to thank those who have supported us.

The Nets, Irving and the Anti-Defamation League announced in a press release Wednesday that Irving and the Nets would each donate $500,000 to fight hate speech and bigotry, but the ADL said Thursday that Irving's donation would not be accepted.

Ian Begley @IanBegley

ADL’s Jonathan Greenblatt also stated via Twitter that Irving ‘failed at almost every step along the way’ to apologize and condemn antisemitism. He commends the Nets for suspending Irving: pic.twitter.com/DsEbLScTtu

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement Thursday that he was disappointed that Irving had not offered an unqualified apology and more specifically denounced the vile and harmful content contained in the film he chose to promote.

NBA Communications @NBAPR

The following was released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/iD3GkJvekR

Irving was given a lot of time to address the situation. He was asked if he had antisemitic beliefs.

Nets Videos @SNYNets

Kyrie Irving is asked if he has any anti-Semitic beliefs: pic.twitter.com/hHI8FFqMbs

Irving was suspended for five games by the Nets after he refused to say he has no antisemitic beliefs.

Brooklyn Nets @BrooklynNets

Statement from the Brooklyn Nets pic.twitter.com/699px8XYpx

He can return to the court against the Lakers in November.