Kanye West continues to share his support for Kyrie Irving as the Nets guard faces backlash for a social media post that appears to promote an anti-semitic film and book.
On Thursday, West returned to Twitter — following a ban by the social network due to a series of anti-semitic remarks — to share a black and white photo of Irving from Brooklyn’s media day in 2019.
That came after the rapper took to Instagram on Sunday to share another black and white photo of Irving with the caption, “There’s some real ones still here.”
In a separate post on Sunday, West also shared a black and white photo of ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith.
Irving has not yet addressed the posts by West, who has lost a number of brand deals — including his most lucrative deal with Adidas — over anti-semitic remarks.
West was restricted from both Twitter and Instagram last month after the rapper said in a since-removed tweet that he was “going death con 3 [sic] On JEWISH PEOPLE.”
Irving has been under fire since last Thursday, when he posted a tweet and Instagram story that included the Amazon page for the 2018 film, “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America.” The film, which is based on a 2015 book by the same name, is described as being filled with anti-Semitic disinformation.
On Wednesday, Irving and the Nets released a joint statement that both parties will each donate $500,000 “toward causes and organizations that work to eradicate hate and intolerance in our communities.”
The statement also adds that the Nets, Liberty and other affiliated organizations “will host a series of community conversations” at Barclays Center in partnership with the Anti-Defamation League and other civil rights organizations.
Nets guard Kyrie Irving during the fourth quarter of a game against the Chicago Bulls at Barclays Center on Nov. 1, 2022 in New York City. Getty Images
Kanye West is seen on Oct. 21, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. GC ImagesIn the statement, Irving took responsibility for his social media posts. However, he did not directly apologize for retweeting the link.
After a loss to the Pacers on Saturday, Irving defended his social media posts in a contentious back-and-forth with ESPN’s Nick Friedell, insisting he wasn’t “promoting” anything and accusing the reporter of “dehumanizing” him.
Irving also addressed the matter Saturday on Twitter, writing, “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.”
Irving is expected to play on Friday, when the Nets visit the Wizards.
