Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac recently responded to criticism for his decision to appear at an event put on by Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA (TPUSA) Faith.
The 26-year-old Isaac has become a popular figure among conservatives in recent years. He first sparked criticism in 2020 when he refused to kneel alongside his teammates during the national anthem, citing his Christian faith.
He later courted controversy again when he declined to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
More recently, Isaac launched an anti-woke clothing brand called UNITUS as an alternative to apparel brands “with divisive agendas.”
Isaac is set to speak at TPUSA Faith’s “The Believer’s Summit” in July. The event is meant “to galvanize Christians across America to effectively put their faith into action” and will feature speakers including Allie Beth Stuckey, Jentezen Franklin, Seth Dillon, and John Amanchukwu, among others.
Isaac previously spoke at TPUSA’s AmericaFest event in 2023.
Isaac has received backlash for his willingness to share a stage with Charlie Kirk, who has recently made a number of statements that have been characterized as racially insensitive, if not outright discriminatory.
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Kirk posted, “Who was MLK? A myth has been created and it has grown totally out of control.”
“While he was alive most people disliked him, yet today he is the most honored, worshipped, even deified person of the 20th century,” Kirk continued.
Kirk has on more than one occasion expressed his belief that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a “mistake.” He has also blamed policies of diversity, equity, and inclusion for his suspicion of Black professionals.
“I’m sorry, if I see a Black pilot, I’m going to be like, ‘Boy, I hope he’s qualified,’” Kirk has said.
Similarly, he has said, “If I’m dealing with somebody in customer service who’s a moronic Black woman, I wonder, is she there because of her excellence? Or is she there because of affirmative action?”
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