NEW YORK — Following Kyrie Irving’s antisemitic posts last week, the star guard and the Nets will donate $500,000 each towards causes and organizations working to eradicate hate and intolerance. The Nets and Irving will also work with the Anti-Defamation League, a nonprofit organization devoted to fighting antisemitism and all types of hate, to develop educational programming that is inclusive and will comprehensively combat all forms of antisemitism and bigotry.
“I oppose all forms of hatred and oppression and stand strong with communities that are marginalized and impacted every day,” Irving said in a joint statement with the ADL and the Nets. “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 is the first instance Irving publicly took responsibility for his antisemitic posts that were on his social media channels. On Oct. 27, Irving posted a link to the movie “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America” on both his Instagram story and his Twitter page. The posts were deleted three days later.
