NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — In a joint statement with the Anti-Defamation League, Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets announced they will each donate $500,000 to combat hate in response to criticism after Irving Tweeted a link to an antisemitic movie.
Irving faced backlash for Tweeting a link to a conspiratorial movie “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America!” that denies the veracity of the Holocaust and theorizes about Jewish control of the media.
“I oppose all forms of hatred and oppression and stand strong with communities that are marginalized and impacted every day,” Irving said in the statement. “I am aware of the negative impact of my post towards the Jewish community and I take responsibility. I do not believe everything said in the documentary was true or reflects my morals and principles. I am a human being learning 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 meant no harm to any one group, race or religion of people, and wish to only be a beacon of truth and light.”
The statement promised the $1 million donation will go toward “causes and organizations that work to eradicate hate and intolerance in our communities,” but did not specify which specific organizations would get the money.
The Nets, the New York Liberty and the ADL also intend to host a series of “community conversations” at the Barclays Center.
“At a time when antisemitism has reached historic levels, we know the best way to fight 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 dialogue and increase understanding,” said ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt in the statement. “At the same time, we will maintain our vigilance and call out the use of anti-Jewish stereotypes and tropes — whatever, whoever, or wherever the source — as we work toward a world without hate.”
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