Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is facing backlash after performing a dance on a livestream that many are calling antisemitic. The controversy erupted during a Wednesday broadcast with streamer Adin Ross, who is Jewish, where the two discussed and demonstrated a touchdown celebration involving stereotypical gestures.
During the stream, Ross encouraged Nacua to perform the dance during an upcoming Thursday Night Football game. Ross demonstrated the celebration, which included spinning the football, flexing his muscles, and then crouching while rubbing his hands together—an action widely recognized as mocking Jewish stereotypes of greed. Nacua followed Ross’ example and performed the same series of movements at least twice on camera.
The incident sparked outrage, particularly in light of recent violence against Jews, including a deadly antisemitic attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Australia that left 15 people dead. Critics say the timing of the stunt was especially insensitive.
California Congressman Eric Swalwell, a Democrat, condemned Nacua’s actions and called for consequences. “The Los Angeles Jewish community is on edge after the Bondi Beach massacre. And what does this asshole @AsapPuka do? He promises an antisemitic touchdown dance for his Thursday night game,” Swalwell wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “He should apologize or be dropped.”
Following the widespread criticism, Nacua issued an apology on Thursday. Details of the apology have not been released, but the statement marks an attempt to contain the fallout ahead of this week’s game.
The NFL and the Los Angeles Rams organization have not yet commented publicly on the incident. The controversy underscores ongoing concerns about antisemitism in both sports and digital media spaces, where provocative stunts often generate attention but can have serious consequences.
