"I’m celebrating Hannukah tonight": Adin Ross addresses controversial Puka Nacua livestream as the latter issues apology

Wireless Festival 2025 - Day Two - Source: Getty
Adin Ross (Image by Simone Joyner/Getty)

Footballer Puka Nacua has come under fire for a gesture during his time on Adin Ross’ streaming session. What happened is that the two were discussing Nacua’s Thursday match when Ross suggested that the LA Rams’ wide receiver add a step to his touchdown dance. The step involved rubbing his hands after doing a hunch. Ross called it a Jewish dance.

However, social media users perceived it as antisemitic, and Nacua received backlash. Taking to his Instagram, Puka Nacua posted an apology letter. He wrote:

ā€œWhen I appeared the other day on a social media livestream, it was suggested to me to perform a specific movement as part of my next touchdown celebration. At the time, I had no idea this act was antisemitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people. I deeply apologize to anyone who was offended by my actions as I do not stand for any form of racism, bigotry or hate of another group of people.ā€

Adin Ross also clarified his stance on the situation. During a stream, he said:

ā€œTo all the people on Twitter going at Puka, I did that. I am Jewish. You know, it’s the same way that my Mexican brother here will crack Mexican jokes I could stereotype and do my own Jewish sh*t. I am celebrating Hanukkah tonight. I am lighting my menorah tonight.ā€

The streamer said he supported human rights. According to Adin Ross:

ā€œAll you guys don’t want to be the moral inconsistency here, I take a stand for human rights, what’s going on in Gaza, for example. I take a stand for that type of stuff. You people can’t do that. You are funded by all these companies and you know, it’s sad. So, you are all sellouts for a reason.ā€

Puka Nacua talks about practice, Hanukkah, and Hawaii on Adin Ross’ stream

During the streaming session with Puka Nacua, Adin Ross and his team members, including N3on, discussed what they could eat. Ultimately, they decide to try some chicken. Ross asked the player how his practice went that day, and he said:

ā€œWe play on Thursday. Like so yesterday we came in, we had a lift and then today's like Wednesday and Thursday combined. So, like the morning we started like as if it was like a normal Wednesday and then we have walk through and then it was like all right, Wednesday's over. Now the rest of the day is Thursday cause then we'll have stuff tomorrow and then we'll take off.ā€

When Adin Ross asked if he was excited, Puka Nacua said he needed to get some rest because everything was happening fast. Meanwhile, Ross also wished a happy Hanukkah to all his viewers who celebrate. Nacua said that even though he was not Jewish, he went to a Shabbat. Ross jokingly commented that he would win the game. N3on asked if Puka Nacua was from Hawaii. He replied:

ā€œI'm from Vegas. My dad's from Hawaii. I was born in Vegas.ā€

Puka Nacua mentioned that they recently went to Maui in Hawaii for a team practice. He said they enjoyed it a lot, and everybody was allowed to bring their families.

Love movies? Try our Box Office Game and Movie Grid Game to test your film knowledge and have some fun!

Edited by Anuj Basak