Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving took to Instagram late Thursday night, offering a formal apology to the Jewish community and those “hurt from the hateful remarks” in the anti-semetic documentary he shared on his Twitter account last week.
“To All Jewish families and Communities that are hurt and affected from my post, I am deeply sorry to have caused you pain, and I apologize,” Irving wrote on Instagram.
Irving’s apology came just hours after he was suspended for a minimum of five games without pay.
“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,” Irving continued.
“I want to clarify any confusion on where I stand fighting against Anti-semticism by apologizing for posting the documentary without context and a factual explanation outlining the specific beliefs in the Documentary I agreed with and disagreed with.
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“I had no intentions to disrespect any Jewish cultural history regarding the Holocaust or perpetuate any hate. I am learning from this unfortunate event and hope we can find understanding between us all. I am no different than any other human being. I am a seeker of truth and knowledge, and I know who I Am.”
Nets suspend Kyrie Irving
After Irving’s media availability on Thursday, the Nets announced he would be suspended for “no less than” five games without pay.
Statement from the Brooklyn Nets pic.twitter.com/699px8XYpx
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) November 4, 2022
“Over the last several days, we have made repeated attempts to work with Kyrie Irving to help him understand the harm and danger of his words and actions, which began with him publicizing a film containing deeply disturbing and antisemitic hate,” the statement reads.
“…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,” it continued.
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“…Accordingly, we are of the view that he is currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets. We have decided that Kyrie will serve a suspension without pay until he satisfies a series of objective remedial measures that address the harmful impact of his conduct and the suspension period served is no less than five games.”
Anti-Defamation League rejects Irving’s donation
On Wednesday, Irving, the Nets and the Anti-Defamation League issued a statement that the seven-time All-Star and the franchise would combine to donate $1 million to organizations that strive to ‘eradicate hate.’
“I am aware of the negative impact of my post towards the Jewish community and I take responsibility,” Irving said during his media availability on Thursday.
“I do not believe everything said in the documentary was true or reflects my morals and principles. I am a human being learning from all walks of life and I intend to do so with an open mind and a willingness to listen. So from my family and I, we meant no harm to any one group, race, or religion of people, and wish to only be a beacon of truth and light.”
We were optimistic but after watching the debacle of a press conference, it’s clear that Kyrie feels no accountability for his actions. @ADL cannot in good conscience accept his donation.
— Jonathan Greenblatt (@JGreenblattADL) November 4, 2022
Following his suspension, and prior to his Instagram apology, ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt took to Twitter, saying the ADL “cannot in good conscience accept his donation.”
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