Toronto Blue Jays star Anthony Bass insists a social media post he shared that described the sale of pro-LGBTQIA+ merchandise by Bud Light and Target as "evil" and "demonic" was not hateful.
The pitcher, 35, shared the post, which called for a boycott of Bud Light and Target, on his Instagram Story last month and apologised before a game against the Milwaukee Brewers last month. He has been booed his home fans in his two appearances in Toronto since and has now responded to the backlash.
Bass deleted the post because "it was the right thing to do" and he did not want to create a distraction for his teammates. The former Miami Marlins and Seattle Mariners pitcher says he is "working hard" to educate himself on the matter and will meet with members of Pride Toronto.
Bass is also scheduled to catch the ceremonial first pitch from Toronto-based LGBTQIA+ activist leZlie Lee Kam at Friday's game against the Minnesota Twins as the Blue Jays mark their fourth annual Pride Weekend celebration.
And while he recognises why people were upset by his actions – which came in the midst of an anti-woke backlash against Bud Light's campaign – he defended the post he shared by insisting it was not hateful.
"I totally get that (people were upset)," Bass told ESPN. "I just want them to know that I'm working hard on myself, a lot of self-reflection.
"I do not (think it was hateful). That's why I posted it originally. When I look back at it, I can see how people would view it that way and that's why I was apologetic.
"But I stand by my personal beliefs and everyone is entitled to their personal beliefs, right? Also, I mean no harm towards any groups of people.
"My focus from the get-go should have been doing my job and being accepting of everyone's decisions and views in life. Through this process, I've learned that. Moving forward, I will definitely know better than to post my personal beliefs on my social media platforms."
Rainbow flags were hung at Rogers Centre after the Blue Jays' 3-2 win over the Houston Astros on Thursday and Pride Month will be marked throughout the weekend as the Twins head north of the border.
Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins welcomed Bass' apology and said the organisation must continue its work to promote inclusivity.
"I felt his apology and his accountability to be authentic or we would be talking about a different outcome, quite frankly,″ Atkins said. "That was absolutely necessary for us to be together with how strongly we feel about the progress that has been made by the Toronto Blue Jays in this community."
"It needs to continue," Atkins added. "I don't think you can ever do enough. We'll stay true to that commitment to make this environment as inclusive as we possibly can."
