LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua apologized Friday after a gesture he made during a livestream appearance hosted by streamer Adin Ross drew criticism on social media.
Nacua appeared on Ross’s livestream late Thursday. During the broadcast, Ross instructed Nacua to perform a hand-rubbing gesture while looking into the camera. Clips of the moment were later shared on social media, where some users and Jewish advocacy groups criticized the gesture as resembling an antisemitic stereotype.
Nacua addressed the incident during a media availability Friday, saying he was unaware of the meaning associated with the gesture at the time.
“I was unaware of the negative connotations,” Nacua said. “I don’t want to be a distraction. My focus is on football, and I regret putting myself in a position where my character could be questioned.”
Ross responded to the criticism during a livestream Friday. Ross, who has said publicly that he is Jewish, defended the interaction and said he instructed Nacua to perform the gesture.
“I told him to do it. It’s my culture, I can make those jokes,” Ross said during the broadcast. Ross also described the reaction to the clip as “fake outrage.”
Ross said he would pay any fine the NFL might issue to Nacua related to the appearance.
“If they fine him, I will pay it,” Ross said. “Proudly and gladly.”
The Rams declined to comment Friday. The NFL has not publicly announced any disciplinary action.
Nacua is in his second NFL season with the Rams after setting multiple franchise rookie receiving records in 2023.
