Los Angeles, CA – Oscar-winning filmmaker Spike Lee used the platform of NBA All-Star Weekend to express solidarity with Palestine, drawing attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Lee was seen courtside at the game in Los Angeles wearing attire featuring the Palestinian flag, continuing a pattern of public support for the cause.
The director, known for iconic films like Malcolm X and Da 5 Bloods, carried a bag adorned with the Palestinian flag and a traditional keffiyeh, a patterned scarf often associated with Palestinian identity. He also wore a hoodie recognizing Black History Month, layering multiple statements of support within a single appearance.
Lee’s choice of attire at one of the most widely watched events in American basketball immediately sparked conversation online. “Spike Lee with the Palestine flag on All Star weekend that’s that legendary sh*t in a weekend where the league is trying they’re hardest to push Israel,” one user posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. The comment reflects a growing sentiment among some fans who believe the NBA has not adequately acknowledged the situation in Gaza.
However, not all reactions were celebratory. Some expressed concern that Lee’s visible stance could lead to repercussions from the NBA. “Spike Lee with the Palestine flag and keffiyeh on his bag for All Star Weekend they’re [about to] ban him from ever being courtside again,” another user wrote, highlighting potential consequences for taking a public position on a sensitive political issue.
Lee’s gesture comes as he continues to publicly support Palestine, repeatedly using his social media platforms to draw attention to the suffering of Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, since the outbreak of Israel’s war in . He has shared images of the Palestinian flag online, amplifying the message to his large following.
Beyond his personal advocacy, Lee also served as an executive producer on The Voice of Hind Rajab, a film nominated for an Oscar that centers on the killing of five-year-old Gaza resident Hind Rajab by Israeli forces in . His involvement in the film underscores his commitment to raising awareness about the impact of the conflict on Palestinian civilians.
Lee’s appearance at All-Star Weekend also arrives amid increasing criticism of NBA stars for what some perceive as a lack of acknowledgement regarding Israel’s war on Gaza. This contrasts with athletes in other sports, such as footballer Mohamed Salah and NFL player Azeez Al-Shaair, who have publicly spoken out about the conflict.
In December , former NBA player and activist Etan Thomas addressed the issue in an op-ed, writing that he received numerous messages from current and former NBA players thanking him after he publicly commented on Gaza. This suggests a quiet undercurrent of support for Palestine within the league, even among those who have not publicly expressed their views.
While many NBA stars have remained silent, some players, including WNBA guard Natasha Cloud and NBA star Kyrie Irving, have openly expressed solidarity with Gaza. Lee’s visible support at a high-profile event like All-Star Weekend adds to this growing, though still relatively muted, chorus of voices within the basketball world.
