Nets, owner condemn Kyrie Irving’s promotion of antisemitic documentary

This story has been updated from a previous version.

The Nets and owner Joe Tsai have both released statements condemning guard Kyrie Irving’s promotion of an antisemitic documentary.

Irving on Thursday listed an Amazon link to the 2018 documentary “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America.” It’s based off a 2015 book of the same name. As reported by The Rolling Stone, the documentary and the book use misinformation and espouse antisemitic messaging throughout.

Tsai issued a response late Friday night, saying he was disappointed in Irving’s promotion of the documentary. He added that he wants to “make sure he understands this is hurtful to all of us.”

This is bigger than basketball

— Joe Tsai (@joetsai1999) October 29, 2022

MORE: Kyrie Irving and conspiracy theories, explained: What Nets star has said and shared about flat Earth, COVID-19 vaccines and Alex Jones

The Nets issued a similar response:

“The Brooklyn Nets strongly condemn and have no tolerance for the promotion of any form of hate speech,” the team said in a statement Friday. “We believe that in these situations, our first action must be open, honest dialogue. We thank those, including the ADL (Anti-Defamation League), who have been supportive during this time.”

Irving is coming off a season in which he played only 29 games as he chose not to get the COVID-19 vaccine, barring him from playing home games for the Nets. He also has come under fire for sharing a conspiracy theory video by Alex Jones of “Infowars,” who claimed for years the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting was a hoax.

He also suggested in 2018 that the Earth might be flat.

He has not spoken about his promotion of the video, but is expected to speak with reporters following the Nets’ Saturday game vs. the Pacers.

Update: Irving on Twitter issued a statement saying he is not antisemitic, adding that it does not accurately reflect the experiences of his own life. He also claimed to want to learn “from all walks of life and religion.”

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

This story will be updated.