Imago
LeBron James
Imago
LeBron James
LeBron James faced immense criticism for his remarks on the Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey, whose tweet in support of the Hong Kong protests raised furore in China, jeopardising the NBA-China relations.
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In a press conference on Monday, James said he believes Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey “was either misinformed or not really educated on the situation” when he tweeted an image Oct. 4 that said “Fight For Freedom. Stand With Hong Kong.” Morey later deleted the tweet.
“Yes, we do have freedom of speech,” James said in response to a question about whether Morey should be punished for his tweet. “But at times, there are ramifications for the negative that can happen when you’re not thinking about others, when you only think about yourself.”
“So many people could have been harmed, not only financially but physically, emotionally, spiritually,” the Los Angeles Lakers man said. “Just be careful what we tweet and what we say and what we do. Even though yes, we do have freedom of speech, it can be a lot of negative that comes with it.”
The statements by LeBron James received some instant criticism on social media.
.@KingJames really missed his shot last night. We all need to stand with Hong Kong and speak out in favor of freedom — even when it may have financial costs. We are all Hong Kongers. #StandwithHongKong
— John Kasich (@JohnKasich) October 15, 2019
Sad to see LeBron James prioritize his business interests in China over the right of free speech, let alone the freedom of the people in Hong Kong (and mainland China). https://t.co/LGmhF7aL4w pic.twitter.com/PqyjygSQKj
— Kenneth Roth (@KenRoth) October 16, 2019
This statement is unbelievable. “So many people could have been harmed”? By Daryl Morey daring to express sympathy for democracy? News flash: people ARE being harmed – shot, beaten, gassed – right now in Hong Kong. By China. By the Communist Party the NBA is so eager to appease
— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) October 15, 2019
Having just been in Hong Kong – on the streets & with the protestors – this kind of garbage is hard to take. LeBron, are YOU educated on “the situation”? Why don’t you go to Hong Kong? Why don’t you meet the people there risking their lives for their most basic liberties https://t.co/KvphH9RiAl
— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) October 15, 2019
Clearly @KingJames is the one who isn’t educated on the situation at hand.
It’s sad to see him join the chorus kowtowing to Communist China & putting profits over human rights for #HongKong. I was there 2 weeks ago. They’re fighting for freedom & the autonomy they were promised. https://t.co/tVI1XB7g6I
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) October 15, 2019