"This is what you are fueling Kyrie Irving” – Non-partisan group blames Kyrie Irving for disseminating racial animosity after ‘Jews Kill Blacks’ graffiti emerges in Atlanta
In a post on their official Twitter account, StopAntisemitism, a non-profit organization fighting antisemitism, revealed that two graffitis in Atlanta are promoting racial animosity. The words "Jews kill blacks" and "Jews enslave Black lives" were found in two public areas on Tuesday in Atlanta . The non-profit organization blamed Irving for the increased hostility and has called for his suspension.
"THIS is what you are fueling Kyrie Irving," StopAntisemitism wrote. "THIS is what Jews have to endure when notable figures like yourself use their platforms to spread falsities & hatred of others. THIS is on YOU @KyrieIrving."
Irving has since been punished by the Nets for promoting "Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America." Irving was suspended without pay for at least five games. He's also expected to work on himself before the Nets allow him to rejoin the team.
After his suspension was announced, Irving finally issued an apology via his Instagram account for his actions. The Nets gave their star guard several opportunities to apologize in front of reporters, but he initially doubled-down on his stance.
Irving posted an apology message on Instagram hours after his suspension, which read:
"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 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."
ALSO READ: Should the Brooklyn Nets part ways with Kyrie Irving after suspension?
Nike suspends Kyrie Irving amid antisemitism issues
The fallout from his actions continued on Friday for Kyrie Irving. Nike suspended their affiliation with the Brooklyn Nets star. They also canceled the release of the Kyrie 8 which was scheduled for next week.
"At Nike, we believe there is no place for hate speech and we condemn any form of antisemitism," the company said in a statement. "To that end, we've made the decision to suspend our relationship with Kyrie Irving effective immediately and will no longer launch the Kyrie 8."
Irving also has endorsement deals with Pepsi, Skullcandy, and 2K Sports. It remains to be seen whether these companies will also cut ties with the eccentric guard.
According to Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt, "Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America" is now a top seller on Amazon since Irving's promotion of the film.
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Krutik Jain