A Swiss television network recently removed a controversial segment that criticized an Israeli bobsledder’s stance on Gaza from its website. The commentary, which went viral, featured remarks about A.J. Edelman during the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.
Commentary Criticizes Israeli Bobsledder
The segment, aired by Radio Télévision Suisse (RTS), included commentary from Stefan Renna. This commentary drew attention to Edelman’s dual American and Israeli citizenship and his participation in two-man bobsled heats. The video gained millions of views before its removal.
Content of the Commentary
- Renna claimed that Edelman supported “the genocide in Gaza.”
- The commentator noted Edelman’s statements about the Gaza conflict being the “most morally just” war.
- Renna contrasted Edelman’s Olympic chance with the International Olympic Committee’s ban on Vladyslav Heraskevych, a Ukrainian athlete.
The official reason for removing the commentary was that it was deemed inappropriate for a sports broadcast, according to an RTS spokesperson. The spokesperson stated that while the commentary included factual elements, its length and nature were not suited for sports coverage.
Edelman’s Response
A.J. Edelman, a first-time Olympian, responded on X/Twitter, labeling the commentary as a “diatribe.” He acknowledged the controversy and emphasized the pride of his team, known as “Shul Runnings.” Edelman noted their achievement of competing Olympic-level without formal support or a coaching program.
Allegations and Reactions
- Edelman faced hostility from other competitors, with one athlete reportedly labeling them “baby killers.”
- He expressed pity for those who harbor hate, stating, “Who has the energy to hate strangers all day?”
- Former White House Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, accused the RTS commentator of “Jew-hating.”
The fallout from this incident reflects ongoing tensions surrounding political statements in sports. It highlights the intersection of athletics and political beliefs, raising questions about the role of media commentary in sporting events.
