Kyrie Irving’s career is shaking since he tweeted a link to the controversial antisemitic “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America!” movie.
The Brooklyn Nets Get Strict With Kyrie
Antisemitism has been a hot-button issue lately in the entertainment industry. Recently, this extended to the world of sports. Brooklyn Nets player Kyrie Irving posted a link to purchase an antisemitic “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America!” documentary on Amazon earlier this month. The documentary contains similar antisemitic rhetoric to the one currently landing Kanye West in trouble. Clearly, Kyrie isn’t escaping the heat.
Since sharing the doc, the 30-year-old faced suspension for five games. The Brooklyn Nets also publicly condemned Irving for failing to clarify his stance on antisemitism.
“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 basketball team announced Thursday (Nov 3).
The critics are still commenting on Kyrie’s actions. He issued several apologies since posting the contentious tweet, the most recent coming after the Nets’ announcement.
Saying Sorry
“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 Race/Religion, and I take full accountability and responsibly for my actions,” Kyrie typed on Instagram. “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.”
The basketball player then continued to address the Jewish community,
“To All Jewish families and Communities … I am deeply sorry to have caused you pain, and 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 from the hateful remarks made in the Documentary.”
The Nets point guard finished the apology with a positive note. “I am no different than any other human being. I am a seeker of truth and knowledge, and I know who I Am,” he posted.
Unfortunately for Kyrie, this apology is not getting the expected feedback. Many still believe the apology statements released by Kyrie are disingenuous and only came out for the sake of the basketball player’s personal gain.
Amazon At Fault?
While Kyrie is still under fire, the league and basketball fans wonder why Amazon is still hosting the documentary. Strangely enough, “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America!” is still available for rent or purchase, while Irving is currently losing career prospects for posting it.
Kyrie fans are particularly questioning the logic of Amazon receiving no criticism for their part in the incident.
https://twitter.com/That_boy_dave10/status/1588638427343622144
This past Friday (Nov 4), the Anti-Defamation League and The Brooklyn Nets requested that Jeff Bezos remove the movie. Bezos still hasn’t responded.
By the way, NBA is now in talks of collaborating with Amazon for an exclusive streaming rights package. Curious.
Written By: Dreema Carrington
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