Fans Protest Against NBA Star Kyrie Irving By Sitting COURTSIDE In 'Fight Anti-Semitism' T-Shirts
Nov. 1 2022, Published 1:07 p.m. ET
NBA star Kyrie Irving is facing the fallout for posting about an antisemitic movie on social media, RadarOnline.com has learned, as a group of protestors went to the Brooklyn Nets vs. Indiana Pacers game to protest his tweet.
A group of seven Orthodox Jews sat courtside to watch the matchup on Monday, clad in "Fight Antisemitism" shirts and yarmulkes.
At one point, Irving was seen giving a thumbs-up to the fans sitting courtside.
The All-Star reportedly briefly spoke to the Jewish fans, telling them he was "grateful for you guys," a statement that Lawrence resident Aaron Jungreis, 52, said oozed of sarcasm.
"I was expecting that. Look at who you're dealing with. But [the shirt] was really not for him. It was really for the Nets. They should not keep a guy like that around," Jungreis told The New York Post.
He also speculated other season ticket-holders will be opting out of attending. "A lot of people are going to cancel, a lot of people," Jungreis continued.
The point guard sparked fury when he tweeted out a link to Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America, later clarifying that he "meant no disrespect to anyone's religious beliefs" and was being misunderstood.
"The 'Anti-Semitic' label that is being pushed on me is not justified and does not reflect the reality or truth I live in everyday. I embrace and want to learn from all walks of life and religions," Irving doubled down.
Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai issued a statement via Twitter on October 28 amid the outcry.
"I'm disappointed that Kyrie appears to support a film based on a book full of anti-Semitic disinformation," it read. "I want to sit down and make sure he understands this is hurtful to all of us, and as a man of faith, it is wrong to promote hate based on race, ethnicity or religion."
In another tweet, he continued, "This is bigger than basketball."
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Meanwhile, Kanye West returned to Instagram with praise for Irving after being banned due to violating the platform's rules and guidelines.
Alongside a photo of #11, Ye wrote, "There's some real ones still here."
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