Los Angeles Rams Star Puka Nacua Issues Apology After Making Antisemitic Gesture During Touchdown Dance on Livestream

NEED TO KNOW

• Los Angeles Rams star Puka Nacua has issued an apology after making an antisemitic gesture on a livestream featuring Adin Ross on Tuesday, Dec. 16
• The apology came hours before the wide receiver's team faced off against the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday, Dec. 18
• "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," the athlete said

Los Angeles Rams star Puka Nacua has issued an apology after making an antisemitic gesture on a livestream.

The apology came hours before the 24-year-old wide receiver's team faced off against the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday, Dec. 18.

During Adin Ross' livestream on Tuesday, Dec. 16, the NFL star was playing ping-pong with Ross and streamer Mikyle Rafiq, also known as N3on, as they discussed what his next touchdown dance should be.

After some back-and-forth, Ross told Nacua he should do his usual gesture of flexing, then rub his hands together — a stereotypical sign of greed.

Once Ross showed him how to do it, Nacua soon followed, doing the gesture to the camera and promising Ross he would do it on the field since it was "easy."

In a statement shared via Instagram on Thursday, Nacua gave his version of events.

"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," he began. "At the time, I had no idea this act was antisemitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people."

He continued, "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."

In a statement shared with PEOPLE, the NFL said it "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," the statement continued.

The Rams also issued a statement in response to the incident, telling ESPN,
"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 comment has also drawn backlash online, including from U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell, who represents California's 14th district, and said Nacua "should apologize or be dropped."

Elsewhere on the stream, Nacua criticized NFL referees, which can lead to a fine, according to NFL.com.

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PEOPLE has reached out to the Rams for comment.

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