LeBron James Calls Kyrie Irving A ‘Great Man’ As He Condemns His Support Of An Antisemitic Documentary: I Don’t Condone Any Hate Of Any Kind

LeBron James Calls Kyrie Irving A ‘Great Man’ As He Condemns His Support Of An Antisemitic Documentary: I Don’t Condone Any Hate Of Any Kind

Several celebrities have voiced their support for Kyrie Irving amid his controversial actions and subsequent consequences — but LeBron James is making it clear that he will never be one of them.

LeBron James was questioned about Kyrie Irving‘s perceived support of an antisemitic film after the Los Angeles Lakers’ loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday afternoon (Nov. 6). The basketball star played alongside Kyrie Irving for three seasons in Cleveland.

In his response, he told the media that hate speech of any kind has no place in this world and that no one can benefit from Irving’s actions.

LeBron James said,

“Me personally, I don’t condone any hate of any kind. To any race. To Jewish communities, to Black communities, to Asian communities.”

James expressed his admiration for the Brooklyn Nets player, calling him a “great” man from “a great family,” but expressed his hope that he understands his actions.

He continued,

“I believe what Kyrie did caused some harm to a lot of people. It doesn’t matter what color your skin is, how tall you are, what position you’re in. If you are promoting or soliciting or saying harmful things to any community that harms people, then I don’t respect it. I don’t condone it.”

As previously reported, on October 27, Irving tweeted a link to a 2018 film based on the 2014 book Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America. Many antisemitic tropes are allegedly present in the movie.

The movie also presents the radical viewpoints of Black Hebrew Israelites, who contend that they are the only people who truly descended from the ancient Israelites.

The Nets said they made numerous attempts during the week to assist the point guard in understanding the harm and risk of his comments and actions before announcing on Thursday that Irving would be suspended for at least five games without pay. Nike also decided to sever ties with Irving for the time being, delaying the release of the Kyrie 8 shoe. The athlete’s eighth sneaker with the brand was supposed to be released on November 8.

Despite his initial defiance, he has since changed his tune and issued an Instagram apology for “promoting” the documentary.

Irving said,

“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. 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.”

He added,

“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. 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. 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. 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.”

What are your thoughts on the entire situation? Let us know in the comments!

[VIA]