Under-fire Kanye West has appeared to show his support for NBA star Kyrie Irving, after he recently posted a link to an anti-semitic film on social media.
West posted a picture of the seven-time NBA All-Star in a cryptic message which seems to support Irving, who last week posted an Amazon link to the film ‘Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America’. Rolling Stone reported the 2018 film is littered with ‘anti-semitic tropes’.
The Brooklyn Nets quickly distanced themselves from the actions of their star Irving. However, NBA legend Charles Barkley believed that the league should have got involved and suspended Irving for his actions.
Days after his initial social media post was deleted, Irving released a joint statement with the Nets and the Anti-defamation League, an organisation that combats anti-semitism.
Irving said: "I oppose all forms of hatred and oppression and stand strong with communities that are marginalized and impacted every day. I am aware of the negative impact of my post towards the Jewish community and I take responsibility."
Irving and the Nets have also each pledged to donate half a million dollars "toward causes and organizations that work to eradicate hate and intolerance in our communities."
West's post comes after he was widely condemned and had his Twitter account restricted last month after he tweeted an anti-semitic post. It said: "I’m a bit sleepy tonight but when I wake up I’m going death con 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE.
"The funny thing is I actually can’t be Anti Semitic because black people are actually Jew also You guys have toyed with me and tried to black ball anyone whoever opposes your agenda."
When challenged about his view by Piers Morgan, the rapper initially refused to back down. He stated: "I fought fire with fire. I'm not here to get hosed down. I'm a different type of freedom fighter." However, West did eventually say 'sorry for the people that I hurt'.
Despite his apology, Los Angeles Rams' Aaron Donald and Boston Celtics' Jaylen Brown have both cut ties with West's sporting agency Donda Sports.
