UFC’s Spike Carlyle apologetic following antisemitic post

Handout Photo-USA TODAY Sports

Carlyle also says that the UFC is aware of his since deleted Instagram Story.

NFL wide receiver DeSean Jackson is not the only athlete who has recently come under fire for antisemitic postings on social media.

On July 3rd, UFC lightweight Spike Carlyle shared antisemitic propaganda on his Instagram Story, with one in particular indicating that the Jewish peoples were the “real invisible enemy” and not the coronavirus.

After significant backlash, Carlyle eventually removed that particular image and provided this statement to Bloody Elbow’s Alex Scaffidi.

“I’m Anti-Zionist, Freemasonry, and Jesuitism,” Carlyle said. “I didn’t read the ‘[F—k] Israel’ hashtags. I’m not an anti-Semite and have Jewish blood in me. I am pro-Israel especially since they are necessary for end times bible prophecy.”

Carlyle’s Instagram bio reveals him to be a deeply religious person, with quoted bible verses and a line that says “U.F.C= UNITED FOR CHRIST!!” He issued an apology to his social media followers later that evening.

“My deepest apologies for my earlier story post,” Carlyle wrote. “Upon further review I noticed it was linked to an anti Semitic hashtags [sic]. I in no way want to cause or spread division or prejudice. My intentions are quite the opposite. I want all people to come together Through Christ Jesus and be united as God’s children. I love my fans, my family, and all my Jewish brothers. I am against the New World Order and that was the intention behind the post. I promise to be more mindful going forward on what I share. Much ?? #revelation2:9 #fsatan”

Carlyle’s post could be considered a violation of the UFC’s Code of Conduct. Disciplinary action can be taken for “derogatory or offensive conduct” concerning someone’s ethnic background or religion (among other things), although it’s been over five years since any publicly reported punishment was levied.

In a conversation with Bloody Elbow moderator Ben Kohn (who is Jewish), Carlyle said that the UFC was made aware of his postings and were taking it seriously. Bloody Elbow reached out to the UFC for comment but did not receive a response as of this writing.

Carlyle (9-2) has competed twice inside the Octagon. He made his UFC debut this past February, stopping Aalon Cruz in just 85 seconds. Last month, he suffered a decision loss to Billy Quarantillo in a back-and-forth encounter.