Puka Nacua apologizes after antisemitism controversy on livestream

Ahead of their Thursday Night Football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua issued a public apology after facing backlash for comments made during a recent appearance on a livestream hosted by influencer Adin Ross.

In a statement shared on social media, Nacua said he was unaware that his comments and actions referenced antisemitic stereotypes, adding that he would never intentionally participate in or promote hateful behavior. He accompanied the post with the hashtag #StandUpToJewishHate, signaling an effort to directly address the harm caused.

“I had no idea I was participating in something that perpetuated harmful stereotypes,” Nacua wrote. “I take full responsibility and sincerely apologize to the Jewish community and anyone I offended.”

The apology comes after widespread criticism of Nacua’s appearance on Ross’ livestream, where he referenced a touchdown celebration tied to an antisemitic trope. The moment quickly circulated online, drawing condemnation from fans and commentators who questioned how one of the NFL’s rising stars ended up involved in such a situation.

While the Rams and the NFL have not announced any formal discipline, Nacua’s statement represents the first direct acknowledgment of the incident from the player himself. The NFL did issue a statement saying that they condemn all discrimination.

A learning moment in the spotlight

Nacua’s response appears aimed at accountability rather than deflection. He emphasized a lack of awareness rather than intent, framing the situation as a learning moment and expressing regret for the impact of his words.

For a young player who has largely stayed out of controversy during his rapid rise in the NFL, the incident, and his reaction to it, are an example of how quickly off-field moments can overshadow on-field success in today’s media landscape.

Whether the apology will fully close the chapter remains to be seen, but it marks a clear attempt by Nacua to address the issue head-on and distance himself from the behavior that sparked the backlash.

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