Spike Lee says Palestinian-inspired outfit at the NBA was “not intended as a gesture of hostility to Jewish people”
Spike Lee has issued a statement clarifying that his outfit at the NBA All-Star Game was “not intended as a gesture of hostility to Jewish people”.
At the match, which took place on February 15th at the Inuit Dome in Inglewood, California, the director wore a jumper that was designed with patterns resembling a keffiyeh, and also had the Palestinian flag on his bag strap.
Notably, the game saw Deni Avdija make his NBA All-Star Game debut, becoming the first Israeli-born player to have ever played in the prestigious fixture.
As a result of the involvement of Avdija, who plays for the Portland Trailblazers, Lee received a backlash from people who believed that his chose of clothing was due to the Israeli-born basketballer, which the director has strongly denied.
In an Instagram statement, Lee began by congratulating Avdija on his call-up, stating, “Much Respect To Deni Avdija, The First Israeli-Born Player In The NBA All-Star Game. Congratulations Also To All The Players And The NBA.”
He then addressed the conversation regarding his choice of clothing, adding, “There Has Been Some Conjecture About What I Wore To The Games on Saturday and Sunday. The Clothes I Wore are Symbols of My Concern For The Palestinian Children and Civilians, And My Utmost Belief In Human Dignity For All Humankind.”
Lee further clarified, “What I Wore Was Not Intended As A Gesture Of Hostility To Jewish People Or To Support Violence Against Anyone, Nor Was It Intended As A Comment On The Significance Of Deni Being An All-Star.”
He also claimed that he was unaware that Avdija was involved in the game or that he was the first Israli-born All-Star, continuing, “There Were 28 NBA Players Chosen To Be In LA This Weekend. I Didn’t Know Them All And Deni Playing For The Portland Trailblazers, A West Coast Team, I Didn’t Know Deni As The First Israeli Born NBA All-Star.”
Lee concluded by heaping praise on Advija as a basketballer, stating, “He can BALL. NOW I DO KNOW. LIVE AND LEARN. ONWARD AND UPWARD”.
Never Miss A Scene
The Far Out Film Newsletter
All the latest film news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.