Blue Jays' Anthony Santander apologizes for anti-Muslim social media posts
Summarised from 5 outlets · 6 reports · Updated 14 Nov, 13:32 · Archive
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander apologized Friday for sharing anti-Muslim social media posts on his Instagram story, saying the content caused hurt and fell short of his own convictions.
Santander posted the content on 4 November, the day Abdul El-Sayed was elected to the US Senate in Michigan, becoming the first Muslim-American elected to the Senate. The posts included a video of a Christian preacher disparaging Muslims and another suggesting Sharia law would be imposed on the United States. One post stated 'America voted for Sharia last night' and another said 'Islam is not peaceful'. Santander deleted the posts the following morning after facing backlash.
In his statement, Santander said reflection and conversations with people he trusts made him recognise he should have been more thoughtful about what he shared. 'I realize that this content caused hurt and I sincerely apologize,' he wrote. 'As a man of faith, it is my belief that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their religion, background or beliefs.'
Santander continued: 'After hearing feedback from those I hurt, I realize that the content I shared fell short of my own convictions. I would like to affirm my respect for the Muslim community and for the dignity and freedom of people of every faith and background.'
The apology came a day after Blue Jays president and chief executive Mark Shapiro apologized to the Muslim community and the team's fans. Shapiro issued the statement after a meeting with Toronto's Muslim community leaders. 'We met with leaders in Toronto's Muslim communities today, who shared the harm caused by Anthony Santander's Islamophobic social media posts,' he said. 'The Blue Jays are deeply sorry to the Muslim community and our fans for the pain and harm these Islamophobic posts have caused.'
General manager Ross Atkins had also called on Santander to publicly address the controversy and expressed disappointment. 'There really aren't words to express my level of disappointment with him making those comments,' Atkins said. 'I've expressed that to him.'
The 32-year-old Venezuelan signed a five-year, $92.5 million contract with Toronto in January 2025 but missed the entire 2026 season because of injuries. It remains unclear whether the Blue Jays will announce disciplinary action against Santander over the posts.
How it is being reported
- Blue Jays’ Anthony Santander apologizes for sharing anti-Muslim social media postsToronto outfielder deleted posts after backlash Santander says content fell short of his beliefs Blue Jays have not announced disciplinary action Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander apologized Friday for sharing anti-Muslim social media posts, saying the content had caused hurt and did not reflect his beliefs. In a statement posted to his Instagram story, Santander said reflection and conversations with people he trusts had made him realize he should have been more thoughtful about what he shared and the responsibility that comes with having a public platform. Continue reading...Guardian Sport · 14 Nov, 13:00
- Anthony Santander breaks silence on Islamophobic posts in wake of Abdul El-Sayed’s midterms winBlue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander has broken his silence.New York Post · 14 Nov, 03:26
- Blue Jays star Anthony Santander finally addresses vile Islamophobic memes he posted after Abdul El-Sayed's victoryThe Toronto slugger came under fire for his attacks on Islam and Abdul El-Sayed following the senator-elect's victory in Michigan in the midterm elections.Daily Mail Sport · 14 Nov, 02:52
- Blue Jays' Anthony Santander apologizes for sharing anti-Muslim social media postsToronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander apologized Friday for sharing anti-Muslim social media posts, saying the content caused hurt and fell short of his own convictionsIndependent World · 13 Nov, 21:46
- Blue Jays apologize to Muslim community for Anthony Santander’s outburst — as he remains silentThe franchise has asked Santander to address his remarks but he has not done so.New York Post · 13 Nov, 15:25
- Toronto Blue Jays apologize after Muslim community outcry over Anthony Santander's Instagram postsAnthony Santander has not apologized after sharing posts called Islamophobic, leaving the Toronto Blue Jays to issue a corporate apology on his behalf.Fox News · 13 Nov, 02:40
In this story: Anthony Santander · Abdul El-Sayed · Toronto Blue Jays · Mark Shapiro · Ross Atkins · Michigan · Toronto · Venezuela
This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log
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