CNN
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Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets announced Wednesday that they would both donate $500,000 to anti-hate organizations after the point guard tweeted a documentary deemed anti-Semitic last week.
In a joint statement between Irving, Nets and the Anti-Defamation League – a “nonprofit organization dedicated to combating anti-Semitism and all types of hate that undermine justice and fair treatment for every individual” – the 30-year-old said he takes “responsibility” for the “negative impact” his message has had on the Jewish community.
“I stand against all forms of hate and oppression and stand firm with communities who are marginalized and impacted every day,” Irving said.
“I am aware of the negative impact of my position on the Jewish community and take responsibility for it. I do not believe that everything said in the documentary is true or reflects my morals and principles.
“I am a human being who learns 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 didn’t want to hurt any group , race or religion of people, and only wish to be a beacon of truth and light.
Irving was condemned last week by, among others, Nets owner Joe Tsai and the NBA for tweeting a link to the 2018 film “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America.”
The film is based on the book of the same name by Ronald Dalton, which has been called anti-Semitic by civil rights groups.
Earlier this week, NBA analyst and Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley said he thought the league was “dropping the ball” on Irving and that he thought Irving should have be suspended.
When asked why Irving hadn’t been disciplined for his actions on Tuesday, Nets general manager Sean Marks told reporters, “I think we’re having these discussions behind the scenes.
“Honestly, I don’t really want to get into those right now. …Really just trying to weigh up exactly what the best course of action is here.
Irving was not made available to the media on Monday or Tuesday following Nets games on those days.
The joint statement said the donations were made to “eradicate hatred and intolerance in our communities”.
“This is an effort to develop educational programming that is inclusive and will comprehensively combat all forms of anti-Semitism and bigotry,” the statement said.
Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, said: “At a time when anti-Semitism has reached historic levels, we know that the best way to combat the oldest hatred is to both confront it head on and also to change hearts and minds.
“With this partnership, ADL will work with the Nets and Kyrie to open up dialogue and increase understanding.
“At the same time, we will maintain our vigilance and call for the use of anti-Jewish stereotypes and tropes – regardless of source, no matter what – as we work towards a world without hate. .”
Kanye West, who has come under fire for anti-Semitic comments on social media and in interviews, showed his support for Irving, tweeting a photo of the guard on Thursday.
Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, has previously said Jews have too much control over the business world.
He threatened in a Twitter post of “Go death con 3 on JEWISH PEOPLE”. He also raved in an Instagram post about Ari Emanuel, CEO of talent agency Endeavour, referring to “businessmen” when he was clearly talking about Jews.
Last Friday, he told paparazzi his mental health issues were misdiagnosed by a Jewish doctor, referenced Jewish ownership of the media and compared Planned Parenthood to the Holocaust.
