Nets Condemn Kyrie Irving Decision to Promo Antisemitic Film
As if there weren’t enough issues surrounding the Brooklyn Nets this season, troubled superstar Kyrie Irving is in hot water after allegedly promoting a film and book that are deemed antisemitic.
Nets owner Joe Tsai issued a statement on Friday night condemning Irving for his decision.
I’m disappointed that Kyrie appears to support a film based on a book full of anti-semitic disinformation. 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.
— Joe Tsai (@joetsai1999) October 29, 2022
Tsai added that this was “bigger than basketball.”
The comments come following a Rolling Stone article revealed that Irving had tweeted out support a movie called “Hebrews to Negros.” The film was made in 2018 based on a 2015 book by the same name.
According to Rolling Stone: “ Both (the book and movie) suggest Hebrews to Negroes espouse ideas in line with more extreme factions of the Black Hebrew Israelites, which have a long history of misogyny, homophobia, xenophobia, Islamophobia, and especially antisemitism.”
NEW: NBA player and noted "free-thinker" Kyrie Irving took to Twitter to boost a movie and book stuffed with antisemitic tropes.https://t.co/ibMlleGqPs
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) October 28, 2022
ESPN reported that Irving is expected to speak to reporters after the Nets game against Indiana on Saturday.
Later in the day on Saturday, Irving posted a statement on his Twitter page, saying he meant no disrespect to anyone, and is disappointed that he is being labeled “antisemitic,” stating simply it “does not reflect the reality or truth I live in everyday.”
I am an OMNIST and I meant no disrespect to anyone’s religious beliefs. 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.
— Chief Hélà 🤞🏾 (@KyrieIrving) October 29, 2022
Hélà🤞🏾♾
Irving is no stranger to controversy.
In January of 2021, Irving broke away from the team for “personal reasons,” only to appear on a zoom call with actress Cynthia Nixon in a campaign for Manhattan district attorney candidate Tahanie Aboushi. That happened while his teammates were playing in Denver.
Earlier this calendar year, Irving was a noted anti-vaxxer against COVID-19 to the point he was left off the roster last season because 1) the Nets didn’t want to play him initially as a part-time player on the road, and 2) New York mandated vaccination against the virus.
Irving was later added to the roster when injuries forced the Nets to bring him back as a part-time player in road games only. Irving didn’t play a home game until April when the mandate was lifted by New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
After the season ended in a playoff exit against Boston, Irving requested a trade, only to later agree to his player option. This oddly prompted Kevin Durant to seek a trade, which also fell by the wayside.
In October, Rolling Stone reports, Irving shared an old video from known conspiracy theorist Alex Jones.
