Spike Lee turned his courtside seat at Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game into a political statement, wearing a keffiyeh-patterned sweater adorned with Palestine flags while sitting among celebrities and former presidents in Los Angeles.
The 68-year-old director’s bold outfit choice coincided with Deni Avdija becoming the first Israeli player to participate in the midseason showcase.
The clash of symbols played out in real time at the event. While Lee displayed his support for Palestine from his premium seat next to figures such as Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama and Queen Latifah, Avdija wore the Israeli flag on the back of his Portland Trail Blazers jersey during the game itself.
Avdija embraced representing his country on basketball’s biggest stage. “I feel like when I come to play, I come with the entire nation, and it’s fun to show that it’s possible, even for a small country like us,” Avdija said after the game.
The convergence occurred six months after US President Donald Trump‘s ceasefire agreement, though conflict between Israel and Palestine continues.
Lee‘s decision to wear multiple Palestine flags on his crossbody bag strap alongside the traditional keffiyeh pattern left no ambiguity about his position on the geopolitical crisis.
LeBron draws criticism for Israel remarks
Days before the All-Star spectacle, LeBron James triggered backlash by expressing interest in visiting Israel and saying he’s heard “great things” about the country.
Asked about Avdija and whether he’d send a message to the Middle East nation, LeBron walked a diplomatic line before veering into controversial territory.
“I’ve been quoted on Deni already and what I thought about his season and I believe he’s an All-Star, and he is an All-Star. He’s playing exceptional basketball, so that’s that,” LeBron said.
“I’ve never been there. If I have fans over there, then I hope you’ve been following my career, I hope I inspire people over there to not only want to be great at sports but be better in general in life. So, hopefully someday I could make it over there. Like I said, I’ve never been over there, but I heard great things. I appreciate the question.”
The war in Gaza has reportedly killed over 75,000 Palestinians since the latest escalation began. LeBron‘s comments about hearing “great things” ignited fierce criticism from voices who viewed his remarks as tone deaf given the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
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