Brooklyn Nets condemn Kyrie Irving for promotion of antisemitic movie

After Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving promoted an antisemitic movie and ebook on social media Thursday, his group and team-owner Joe Tsai issued statements Friday condemning his actions.

“I am dissatisfied that Kyrie seems to assist a movie primarily based on a ebook stuffed with anti-semitic disinformation,” Tsai wrote on Twitter. “I need to sit down and ensure he understands that is hurtful to all of us, and as a person of religion, it’s unsuitable to advertise hate primarily based on race, ethnicity or faith.”

Irving posted a tweet Thursday linking to an Amazon web page for the film “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America,” which is “filled with antisemitic tropes,” in keeping with an earlier report from Rolling Stone. The film was launched in 2018 and relies on a 2015 ebook by the identical identify.

Irving has not publicly addressed his resolution to advertise the movie.

“The Brooklyn Nets strongly condemn and don’t have any tolerance for the promotion of any type of hate speech,” the group mentioned in a press release Friday. “We consider that in these conditions, our first motion have to be open, sincere dialogue. We thank these, together with the ADL (Anti-Defamation League), who’ve been supportive throughout this time.”

Irving’s submit follows a collection of antisemitic feedback made by Ye, the rapper previously often called Kanye West, in current weeks. Adidas, Hole, Foot Locker and different organizations have since reduce ties with Ye and price him his billionaire standing.

The Anti-Defamation League, StopAntisemistism and the International Legal Forum applauded the transfer by Adidas on Tuesday.

Irving was beforehand benched by the Nets in 2021 for refusing to get vaccinated in opposition to Covid-19. It’s unclear whether or not his social media submit will influence his capacity to play.

The Nets will play the Indiana Pacers on Saturday evening.