Toronto Raptors Apologize For Deleted Women's History Month Video

BYErika Marie1.6K Views
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Players only spoke about women being able to give birth, and that sparked a backlash they didn't expect.

All they wanted to do was express gratitude for Women's History Month, but the Toronto Raptors missed the mark with fans. March 1 ushered in a new month and a new celebratory season. The Raptors shared a brief, 13-second video highlighting WHM, but it quickly fell flat. Players were asked, "Beyoncé said girls run the world. Why do you think that's true?" This is where things took a turn.

Malachi Flynn answered, "They are the only ones that can procreate." Precious Achiuwa added, "They birth everybody." The clip concludes after Scottie Barnes chimes in with, "All women are great because they're all queens." Viewers took to social media to complain that the video seemed awkward. They also highlighted that not all women can give birth and procreate.

The Video Disappears

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 26: The team logo decal at center court on Welcome Toronto night during the Toronto Raptors NBA game against the Utah Jazz at Air Canada Centre on January 26, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***

The video was supposed to be empowering, but that didn't translate for the public. It didn't take long for the clip to mysteriously vanish from the Raptors' socials, but it was too late; people were already firing off hot takes after screen recording the post. "In case you were worried no sports team would completely bungle their Women’s Empowerment Month goodwill this year," one person tweeted in the video's caption. "Here’s an already-deleted video from the Toronto Raptors. Speechless."

LGBTQIA+ allies were also upset because it was stated by the players that only women can have children. Transgender equality advocates said that women weren't the only ones who could become pregnant, prompting another fiery debate online. Later, the Toronto Raptors issued an apology via CTV News. “We’re an organization that prides itself on doing the right thing when it comes to inclusion and representation, and we made a mistake yesterday."

Supporters Come To Team's Defense

Still, despite deciding to take down the video, the Raptors had plenty of supporters in their corner. As podcast hosts were in a flurry to jump on a microphone and discuss the controversy, others questioned why this was an issue. The topic of transgender rights has caused a divide, and online, the Raptors are being defended. Check out the clip from the Toronto Raptors above, and let us know if you think it's controversial.

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About The Author
Erika Marie
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.
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