Kyrie Irving is finally apologizing for tweeting out a link to an antisemitic film … though many fans are questioning the sincerity of the Brooklyn Nets star’s mea culpa.
The 30-year-old wrote out the “I’m sorry” in a lengthy post on his Instagram page late Thursday night — one week after he promoted the film “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America!”
He began by admitting he made a mistake in pedaling a movie that contained “anti-Semitic statements, narratives, and language that were untrue and offensive to the Jewish Race/Religion.”
He then apologised to people of Jewish faith for his actions — something he had refused to explicitly do despite having multiple opportunities in the days after he pressed “send” on his tweet.
“To All Jewish families and Communities that are hurt and affected from my post,” he wrote, “I am deeply sorry to have caused you pain, and I apologize.”
Some have found the line to be insincere — believing it to be nothing more than “I’m sorry if I offended you” rhetoric.
Kyrie then apologized for not explaining the parts of the documentary that he actually agreed with … another line with which fans took umbrage — considering the entire film is laced with antisemitic tropes.
Finally, Irving wrote, “I had no intentions to disrespect any Jewish cultural history regarding the Holocaust or perpetuate any hate.” Some have blasted him for this comment as well. The question — is he really acknowledging the Holocaust happened, or is he saying he’s sorry he offended Jewish belief that it happened? There’s a huge difference between the two.
Irving’s apology came just hours after the Nets announced the point guard would be suspended for at least five games over the situation. The team said in a statement he will not be allowed to play for the org. again until he “satisfies a series of objective remedial measures that address the harmful impact of his conduct.”
Irving has started 8 games so far for Brooklyn this season, averaging 26.9 points per game. (TMZ)