Nacua performed the dance on a Tuesday night livestream and agreed to use it as a touchdown celebration.
Los Angeles Rams star wide receiver Puka Nacua apologized for performing an antisemitic dance on a social media livestream.
Nacua issued the following apology on his Instagram Thursday:
“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. 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.”
According to The Athletic, the Rams issued a statement saying: “There is no place in this world for antisemitism as well as other forms of prejudice or hostility towards the Jewish people and people of any religion, ethnicity, or race.”
The NFL issued its own statement Thursday, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, saying: “The NFL strongly condemns 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. Hatred has no place in our sport or society.”
On a Tuesday night livestream with streamers Adin Ross and N3on, Nacua was showed the dance by Ross before performing it himself and agreeing to do it as his next touchdown celebration.
The video of Nacua was condemned on social media.
On X, California Rep. Eric Swalwell called for Nacua to “apologize or be dropped” by the Rams. CNN’s Jake Tapper also had a strong reaction.
The video came just days after 15 people were killed in an attack on Australia’s Jewish community at Bondi Beach in Sydney.
Nacua and the Rams play the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday night at 6:15 p.m. MST in a game with playoff implications for the NFC’s No. 1 seed.
Category: General Sports
