Following heavy backlash due to his recent comments about the Uyghur concentration camps in China, it seems Golden State Warriors minority owner Chamath Palihapitiya has softened on his stance.
Palihapitiya, in a recent appearance on a podcast, bluntly said: “Nobody cares about what’s happening to the Uyghurs, okay? I’m telling you a very hard ugly truth. Of all the things I care about, yes it is below my line.” This quickly gained angry reactions, calling him out for being insensitive. The Warriors also denounced Palihapitiya's comments, noting he has no day-to-day operating functions within the team.
Palihapitiya, who's also the CEO of Social Capital and reportedly has a net worth of $1.2 billion, released a statement on Monday in a bid to clarify his remarks and perhaps regain the Warriors' favor (via TMZ).
“In re-listening to this week's podcast, I recognize that I come across as lacking empathy. I acknowledge that entirely. As a refugee, my family fled a country with its own set of human rights issues so this is something that is very much a part of my lived experience.
To be clear, my belief is that human rights matter, whether in China, the United States, or elsewhere. Full stop.”
The issue of Uyghur concentration camps in China has gained global attention due to the massive abuses, including rape and slavery.
Safe to say, however, Palihapitiya's gaffe won't bother the Warriors too much on the floor. Despite the recent struggles of Stephen Curry and the extended absence of Draymond Green due to injury, the Warriors know better to let an outside distraction get the best of them.
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