Story perspectives

Spike Lee's Pro-Palestine Stance Sparks NBA Controversy

2/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Spike Lee, the filmmaker, wore pro-Palestinian attire at the NBA All-Star Weekend.
Deni Avdija, the Israeli NBA player, participated in the event.
Lee apologized, saying he did not know Avdija would be present.
Pro-Palestine figures criticized the apology as conflating support for Palestine with antisemitism.
The debate reflects ongoing tensions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict, with nearly 300 Palestinian journalists having died in Gaza since October 2023.

1 of 1

Story summary

Spike Lee, the filmmaker, wore pro-Palestinian attire at the NBA All-Star Weekend.
Deni Avdija, the Israeli NBA player, participated in the event.
Lee apologized, saying he did not know Avdija would be present.
Pro-Palestine figures criticized the apology as conflating support for Palestine with antisemitism.
The debate reflects ongoing tensions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict, with nearly 300 Palestinian journalists having died in Gaza since October 2023.