Kyrie Irving is the latest celeb being accused of antisemitism after promoting a movie that some say is full of stereotypes and tropes — but the guy’s saying he’s being misunderstood.
The Nets star got slammed Friday for tweeting a link to a movie called … “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America” which is on Amazon. It’s a controversial piece to say the least … leaning into extreme ideology from certain factions of Black Hebrew Israelites.
The whole idea behind this is that Black people actually have Jewish roots themselves — and are, in fact, the “chosen people of God” as opposed to Jews of European descent. Like we said … highly inflammatory, but it’s a train of thought several celebs have embraced in recent years. Kanye West, obviously, but also … Nick Cannon and Ice Cube, to name a few.
Not only does the doc Kyrie promoted discuss this, but it also reportedly spreads conspiracy theories … including the claim that “white Jews,” as it were, perpetuated the slave trade and are, by and large, in control of the media/banking industries … among other accusations.
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
@joetsai1999
It’s a lot of the same stuff that got Kanye in trouble … and Kyrie’s been receiving much of the same backlash, so much so that his boss — Nets owner Joe Tsai — said something.
He condemned Kyrie’s tweet as hate-fueled, writing … “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 adds, this is bigger than basketball.
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.
Hélà🤞🏾♾
— Hélà (@KyrieIrving) October 29, 2022
@KyrieIrving
KI defended himself Saturday, saying he meant no disrespect to anyone’s religious beliefs and adding … “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.”
No word on whether Kyrie’s tweet is gonna cost him playing time via suspension or another form of punishment. The NBA hasn’t publicly addressed the controversy yet.