Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) – Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua apologized on Thursday after making an antisemitic gesture during a livestream appearance. Nacua was encouraged to perform the gesture — rubbing his hands together — as a potential new touchdown celebration while appearing with internet streamers Adin Ross and N3on. The 24-year-old said he had not been aware that his gesture — a common stereotype that depicts Jewish people as greedy — was antisemitic.
“When I appeared the other day on a social media livestream, it was suggested to me to perform a specific movement as part of my next touchdown celebration,” Nacua wrote in a post on Instagram. “At the time I had no idea this act was antisemitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people. I deeply apologize to anyone who was offended by my actions as I do not stand for any form of racism, bigotry or hate of another group of people.”
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The NFL issued a statement on Thursday condemning “all forms of discrimination and derogatory behavior directed towards any group or individual.” “The continuing rise of antisemitism must be addressed across the world, and the NFL will continue to stand with our partners in this fight,” the league said. “Hatred has no place in our sport or society.”
Nacua had already faced criticism from US lawmaker Eric Swalwell, who called for the player to be dropped from the Rams clash with the Seattle Seahawks later Thursday if he didn’t issue an apology. “The Los Angeles Jewish community is on edge after the Bondi Beach massacre,” Swalwell wrote on X. “And what does this asshole (Nacua) do? He promises an antisemitic touchdown dance for his Thursday night game. He should apologize or be dropped.”
© 2024 AFP
