The Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has apologized for agreeing to perform an anti-Semitic gesture as part of his touchdown celebration after being persuaded by personality Adin Ross on a livestream.
Nacua stated he was unaware at the time that the act was antisemitic and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people. He also agreed to repeat the gesture in the next Rams game.
In an Instagram post, Nacua wrote: “At the time, I had no idea this act was antisemitic in nature and perpetrated 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.”
The incident has drawn immediate criticism from the Los Angeles Jewish community following a terror attack in Australia that killed more than a dozen people and is under investigation as motivated by anti-Semitism.
Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell of California condemned Nacua on social media: “The Los Angeles Jewish community is on edge after the Bondi Beach massacre. And what does this asshole @AsapPuka do? He promises an antisemitic touchdown dance for his Thursday night game.”
Swalwell added that Nacua should apologize or be dropped by the team. The NFL and the Los Angeles Rams have also issued statements condemning the offensive gesture.
The incident occurs amid heightened tensions in the Jewish community following the recent terror attack in Australia, which claimed more than a dozen lives.
Nacua and the Rams are scheduled to play the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football, each with a record of 11 wins and three losses for the season.
