A sign company made the decision not to accept the ad that mocked LeBron James’ refusal to speak out about human rights violations in China
Virginia’s National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC) wanted to publish images showing James with a Chinese flag covering his mouth with the message « Silence is Violence »
Had it been approved, the billboards would have been displayed near the entrance to the NBA Bubble in Orlando, Fla., where James’ Lakers face the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals The advertising company said it would only run the ads without James’ image
Peter Flaherty, Chairman of the NLPC, said: « When it comes to human rights in China, silence is indeed violence. We should be able to call LeBron about his hypocrisy without this censorship »
James was criticized in 2019 when he criticized Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey for expressing support for pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong « I don’t want to get into a quarrel of words or phrases with Daryl Morey, but I believe he was not briefed on the situation, « James said at the time The comments sparked outrage from protesters in Hong Kong who would soon be seen burning his jersey
According to the NLPC, James has kept quiet about the Chinese « slave labor » that makes the basketball legend’s Nike sneakers, which sell for $ 200 a pair
LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, China, Miami Heat
Global news – US – Human rights statement poking fun at LeBron for his silence in China is rejected by Sign Company (PIC)
