Toronto Blue Jays player Anthony Santander is facing backlash for sharing Islamophobic memes on Instagram that targeted senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed and Islam. The posts appeared shortly after El-Sayed's victory in Michigan.
One meme shared by the 32-year-old Venezuelan player depicted El-Sayed with text reading "AMERICA VOTED FOR SHARIA LAST NIGHT," while another stated "ISLAM IS NOT PEACEFUL." El-Sayed, a Sunni Muslim, has previously addressed concerns about Sharia law, emphasizing that he does not intend to impose it and that religious freedom is a cornerstone of American society.
In response to the controversy, the Toronto Blue Jays issued a statement distancing the organization from Santander's remarks. "Baseball is for everyone and the Blue Jays have created an inclusive experience where all fans feel welcome at our ballpark," the statement read. "Individual comments do not represent our organization's values and beliefs."
Santander's posts have drawn criticism from fans and the public, particularly given the significant Muslim population in Southern Ontario, near the Blue Jays' home stadium. Fans have expressed disappointment and called for the organization to take action.
Santander, a former All-Star, has had a difficult tenure with the Blue Jays, marked by inconsistent performance and a recent season lost due to injury and surgery. The nature of his social media activity has further complicated his relationship with the team and its fanbase.