Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has said sorry after making an antisemitic gesture during a livestream.
The 24-year-old was appearing online with internet personalities Adin Ross and Mikyle Rafi when he was encouraged to perform the gesture as a possible new touchdown celebration. Nacua later said he did not realise the action was antisicat the time or that it repeated harmful stereotypes about Jewish people.
In a statement posted on Instagram, Nacua said he “deeply apologises” to anyone offended and stressed that he does not support racism, bigotry or hate of any kind.
During the livestream, Ross – who is Jewish – suggested Nacua rub his hands together, a gesture often used as an antisemitic stereotype. Nacua performed it several times and even suggested he might use it during a game.
The NFL strongly condemned the incident, saying discrimination and hate have “no place in our sport or society” and highlighted the need to tackle the rise of antisemitism.
US politician Eric Swalwell also criticised Nacua, saying he should “apologise or be dropped”.
Nacua, now in his third season with the Rams, also criticised referees during the livestream – something that can lead to fines under NFL rules. He is expected to address the situation further after the Rams’ game against the Seattle Seahawks.
