Amazon is facing criticism for continuing to sell the film Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America and the book it was based upon. The film is at the center of the controversy regarding NBA star Kyrie Irving, who posted about the movie on his social media accounts.
The 2018 film has been widely described as containing antisemitic disinformation, and Irving was handed an indefinite suspension from his team, the Brooklyn Nets, last week after he failed to apologize for promoting the work. He later issued an apology after the team announced he was suspended for "no less than five games."
On Friday, a letter was sent from the Anti-Defamation League (A.D.L.) in conjunction with Nets that asked Amazon to remove the movie and book or include a statement on the page selling the works that describes issues with content.
The watchdog group StopAntisemitism has also called on Amazon to remove Hebrews to Negroes. In a recent statement to Newsweek about Irving, Liora Rez—Executive Director of StopAntisemitism—asked "where is [Amazon founder] Jeff Bezos and Amazon in all this?"
"The offensive book and corresponding documentary are now on the bestseller's list—why is revisionist history that peddles antisemitic conspiracy theories allowed to be sold?" Rez wrote. "StopAntisemitism is justifiably concerned about how this will eventually trickle down to an increase in violence against the Jewish people."
On Sunday, The New York Times reported that Amazon spokesperson Cory Shields said the company was working with the A.D.L. about a potential disclaimer that would be put on the pages for the Hebrews to Negroes film and book.
But some feel a disclaimer doesn't go far enough. The American Jewish Committee has started a petition that urges Amazon to completely pull both the book and movie.
"Amazon has a critical role to play in ensuring Americans do not consume hate-filled propaganda and misinformation," the organization's petition reads. "We are grateful that, as recently as January of this year, Amazon removed more than 20 Nazi propaganda films and other antisemitic content to stop the spread of hate. We urge you to swiftly take action and remove this film and book from your platform."
The Nets announced Irving's suspension on Thursday following a press conference in which the point guard failed to apologize for posting a tweet and an Instagram story about Hebrews to Negroes. After he was suspended, Irving released a statement that included an apology.
"To All Jewish families and Communities that are hurt and affected from my post, I am deeply sorry to have caused you pain, and I apologize," Irving's statement read in part. "I initially reacted out of emotion to being unjustly labeled Anti-Semitic, instead of focusing on the healing process of my Jewish Brothers and Sisters that were hurt from the hateful remarks made in the Documentary."
Newsweek reached out to Amazon for comment.
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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