Brooklyn Nets Point Guard Kyrie Irving has issued an apology after sharing a link to the film, Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America. Irving’s decision to draw attention to the film has been heavily criticized due to the anti-semitic and islamophobic language presented throughout the picture.
“While doing research on YHWH, I posted a documentary that contained some false anti-semitic statements, narratives and language that were untrue and offensive to the Jewish [community] and I take full accountability and responsibility for my actions. I am grateful to have a big platform to share knowledge and I want to move forward by having an open dialogue to learn more and grow from this,” Irving stated.
“To all Jewish families and communities that are hurt and affected [by] my post, I am deeply sorry to have caused you pain, and I apologize. I initially reacted out of emotion to being unjustly labeled Anti-Semitic, instead of focusing on the healing process of my Jewish brothers and sisters that were hurt [by] the hateful remarks made in the documentary.”
Irving’s decision to issue a statement comes just a few hours after he was suspended by the Brooklyn Nets for at least five games without pay. When asked about his decision to share a link to the film, the franchise deemed that he failed to “unequivocally say he has no antisemitic beliefs” after sharing a link to the film.
“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 stated.
At this time, it is unclear when or if Irving will ever suit up for the Nets again.
