Los Angeles Rams star Puka Nacua apologized Thursday after he agreed to perform an antisemitic touchdown celebration during an appearance on a live stream.
Nacua issued a statement, saying he was unaware the celebration contained an antisemitic gesture. Hisfull statementread:
"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. At the time, I had no idea this act was antisemitic in nature and perpetuated 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."
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Nacua appeared Tuesday on a livestream hosted by Adin Ross. During the stream, Ross had Nacua mimic the celebration and then encouraged Nacua to perform the dance during an NFL game after he scored a touchdown. Nacua agreed, saying, "Yeah, that's easy."
The celebration involved Nacua spiking the ball, flexing and then performing a gesture that references an antisemitic caricature of a Jewish person shared on social media websites, including 4chan.
Video of Nacua performing the celebration began circulating on social media, where California congressman Eric Swalwell demanded an apology from the Rams star on X.
Swalwell's tweet read:
"The Los Angeles Jewish community is on edge after the Bondi Beach massacre. And what does this a**hole @AsapPuka do? He promises an antisemitic touchdown dance for his Thursday night game. He should apologize or be dropped."
The stream alsoincluded Nacua ripping NFL officials, saying they call penalties so they can be shown on television.
Nacua is almost certain to be fined for his comments about NFL officials, as that would remain consistent with how the league typically responds to those situations.
"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 Los Angeles Rams said in a statement Thursday.
The NFL released a statement of its own in response to Nacua's gesture.
"The NFL strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and derogatory behavior directed towards any group or individual," the league's statement reads, perNFL Network's Ian RapoportandESPN's Adam Schefter.
"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."
Nacua is expected to play Thursday night against the Seattle Seahawks in a pivotal NFC West clash between two conference contenders.
