NBA STAR TONY PARKER has apologised for making a gesture with anti-Semitic overtones in a photograph taken three years ago.
Twitter pictures have emerged of Parker making the ‘quenelle’ gesture, which became an issue after West Brom’s Nicolas Anelka made it part of his goalscoring celebrations at the weekend.
“Since I have been made aware of the seriousness of this gesture, I will certainly never repeat the gesture and sincerely apologize for any misunderstanding or harm relating to my actions,” Parker said in a statement.
French striker Anelka made the gesture known as a “quenelle” on Saturday during a 3-3 Premier League draw at West Ham United. Controversy erupted in the wake of the move, which is made with a straightened right arm extended downwards and the left arm tapping the chest.
It enveloped Parker, who plays for the San Antonio Spurs, when an old photo of him surfaced making the gesture alongside the French comedian who is associated with it, Dieudonne.
While Dieudonne says the gesture is only meant as anti-establishment, many interpret it as a Nazi-style salute with an anti-Semitic message.
Parker says he had no idea such interpretations were associated with the gesture when he made it three years ago.
“While this gesture has been part of French culture for many years, it was not until recently that I learned of the very negative concerns associated with it,” Parker said.
When I was photographed making that gesture three years ago, I thought it was part of a comedy act and did not know that it could be in any way offensive or harmful.
“Hopefully this incident will serve to educate others that we need to be more aware that things that may seem innocuous can actually have a history of hate and hurt.”
This clip of Parker on Canal Plus earlier this year would suggest the NBA star has used the quenelle gesture on more than one time.
YouTube credit: Mouvement Quenellier
(C) AFP 2013
