Kyrie Irving continues to deny allegations of anti-Semitism.
During Saturday interview with SNY’s Ian Begley, the Brooklyn Nets guard reiterated his apology to the Jewish community. Irving sparked outrage last month when he posted a link to a documentary film that was widely criticized as ant-Semitic. He was subsequently suspended for a minimum of five games without pay, and was told to complete six action items in order to return to the team. The demands included a face-to-face meeting Jewish leaders, the completion of sensitivity training, a $500,000 donation to anti-hate groups, and a public apology for promoting the aforementioned film.
“I don’t have hate in my heart for the Jewish people or anyone that identifies as a Jew. I’m not anti-Jewish or any of that,” he told SNY. “And it’s been difficult to sit at home with my family, with them seeing all of this and having questions. You know, the part that’s been the hardest is explaining myself, because I know who I am and I know what I represent.”
He continued: “But I think the difficult aspect is just processing all of this, understanding the power of my voice, the influence I have. I’m no one’s idol, but I am a human being that wants to make impact and change. I’m sorry not only to the Jewish community, but to my family members and my relatives, because they know I stand for something bigger. I’m grateful now that I get to explain myself.”
Irving apologized for his actions in a lengthy Instagram message earlier this month. Though he acknowledged that the documentary contained “false anti-Semitic statements, narratives, and language,” he said he agreed with some of the film’s points.
“I want to clarify any confusion on where I stand fighting against anti-Semitism 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,” he wrote. “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.”
