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| Credit: LeBron James/Instagram |
The post, co-authored with his business partner Maverick Carter, urged for peace in the region and a united fight against hate, racism, and antisemitism.
However, the post triggered widespread criticism, with American Muslim scholar Omar Suleiman and writer Khaled A. Beydoun among those expressing disappointment.
Suleiman questioned James' alignment with the views of Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali, suggesting he reconsider his stance on the Israeli occupation of Palestine. Beydoun echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for a reevaluation of Malcolm X's teachings.
Fans, too, voiced their disappointment, with one expressing a sense of betrayal: "I loved you until this. My Palestinian people are being wiped out and you stand with Israel?! Sorry, I'm not a fan of LeBron anymore. It's a sad day." Another commenter labeled James as "tone deaf" in the face of the ongoing crisis.
The controversy has sparked a heated debate on social media, highlighting the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the challenges faced by public figures when addressing such sensitive issues. James' post serves as a reminder of the intense emotions and deep divisions surrounding the conflict, both globally and within the NBA community.
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