According to The Forward, legendary film director Spike Lee has addressed the controversy surrounding his attire at the 2026 NBA All-Star Game. Lee, a fixture at major sporting events, wore a keffiyeh-patterned sweater and a flag-themed bag strap. Critics suggested the outfit was a targeted jab at Deni Avdija, the first Israeli NBA All-Star, who was playing for the World Team.
In a detailed Instagram post, Lee denied that his fashion choice had anything to do with Avdija. The director explained that as a New York Knicks superfan, he wasn’t even familiar with Avdija’s background because the Portland Trail Blazers are a West Coast team. He emphasized that his clothing was a symbol of “human dignity for all humankind” and a gesture of concern for civilians.
Lee’s clarification came after a wave of social media conjecture that threatened to overshadow the festivities at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. He was quick to praise Avdija’s talent, adding, “He can BALL. NOW I DO KNOW,” to signal there was no personal animosity toward the player.
The incident highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, and global politics. While the NBA All-Star weekend is typically a celebration of athletic prowess and celebrity culture, Lee’s choice of attire served as a reminder of how public figures use their platforms to voice social and political concerns, even on the sidelines.
* Billboard (Verified Account): “Spike Lee uses his platform at the All-Star game to signal support for human dignity amid global conflict.”
* JTA (News): “The director clarifies his fashion statement was not intended as a comment on Deni Avdija’s significance as an All-Star.”
Echotitbits take:
Spike Lee is a master of visual storytelling, and he knows exactly what he’s doing with his “courtside fits.” While he claims ignorance of the specific player’s nationality, the choice of such a politically charged pattern during a high-profile game was always going to spark debate. It’s a classic Spike move: stir the pot, then offer a “humanitarian” explanation.
Source: The Forward — https://forward.com/fast-forward/805984/spike-lee-says-his-pro-palestinian-nba-all-star-game-fit-wasnt-meant-as-a-dig-against-deni-avdija/February 18, 2026
Photo Credit: The Forward
