NBA dragged into China controversy after Golden State Warriors’ co-owner says ‘nobody cares’ about Uygurs
- Sri Lankan-born investor Chamath Palihapitiya makes comments on ‘All-In’ podcast
- Team distances itself from remarks, with Palihapitiya calling human rights a ‘luxury belief’
The National Basketball Association found itself in a China-linked controversy once again after serial deal maker Chamath Palihapitiya, a part owner of the Golden State Warriors, dismissed concerns over human rights abuses facing the Uygur minority in China.
“Nobody cares about what’s happening to the Uygurs, OK?” the Sri Lankan-born investor said during an episode of the “All-In” podcast, reacting to a comment from co-host Jason Calacanis about the Biden administration’s “very strong” stance on the issue.
“I’m telling you a very hard, ugly truth, OK? Of all the things that I care about, yes, it is below my line,” Palihapitiya continued, as Calacanis reacted with palpable surprise.
He also called human rights a “luxury belief”.
The Warriors said in a statement that Palihapitiya’s views, which he aired on January 15, did not reflect those of the team.
Palihapitiya later wrote in a statement that upon re-listening to the interview he recognised that he “came across as lacking empathy”.