Ben Simmons sings praises of Chinese official who denies Uyghur Muslims genocide

Brooklyn Nets star Ben Simmons faces criticism for his donation of a basketball court to China and his praise of a controversial official.

Ben Simmons sings praises of Chinese official who denies Uyghur Muslims genocide

Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons before a game against the New York Knicks Feb.13, 2023, in New York. (Via AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)

Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons made a generous gesture by donating a basketball court to a town in China’s Guizhou Province, where the sport has grown in popularity. But his donation also came with a controversial statement that praised a Chinese official who has denied the genocide of Uyghur Muslims.

Simmons announced his court donation to Machang Town in Gui’an New Area on Sunday, April 10, 2023, at a virtual press conference. He expressed his appreciation for China and its basketball culture. “I first visited China to play basketball when I was 16 and then again as an NBA player. I always enjoy visiting as the people and the fans are always so welcoming, and love basketball,” he said.

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He also thanked Huang Ping, the Consul General of China in New York, and the Guizhou government for their support. “Deep thanks to Ambassador Huang Ping and Guizhou government. I hear people in Guizhou have amazing local basketball tournaments, and they just had this year’s final. I wish the people of Guizhou all the best, and hopefully will get to see them soon in the future,” he said.

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However, Simmons’ endorsement of Huang Ping has also drawn criticism from some observers and activists, who pointed out that Huang has a history of making inflammatory remarks that defended China’s treatment of Uyghurs, a predominantly Muslim ethnic minority, in the region of Xinjiang.

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Ben Simmons under fire for endorsing Huang Ping

Nets' Ben Simmons (L) and Consul General of China's Consulate General in New York Huang Ping (R)
Nets’ Ben Simmons (L) and Consul General of China’s Consulate General in New York Huang Ping (R)

Huang has repeatedly praised the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and vehemently denied accusations of genocide, forced labor, and human rights violations against Uyghurs. He has also blamed Western media and politicians for spreading lies and propaganda about China’s policies in Xinjiang.

Simmons’ praise of Huang Ping has been seen by some as a sign of his ignorance or indifference to the plight of Uyghurs or as a way of appeasing China’s huge market and fan base. Some have also wondered whether Simmons was aware of Huang’s views or whether he was pressured or influenced by the NBA or other parties to make positive comments about China.

Simmons has not responded to the backlash or clarified his position on the Uyghur issue. His donation of a basketball court to China may have been a sincere gesture of goodwill and cultural exchange, but it has also exposed him to scrutiny and controversy for his association with a Chinese official who has denied the Uyghur genocide.

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