Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Anthony Bass offered a public apology on Tuesday after he shared a social media post that urged Christians to boycott companies like Target and Bud Light. Both established brands have been steeped in controversy regarding their stance on the current LGBTQ and transgender movement.
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Anthony Bass apologizes for his views, via Trump’s Nephew Twitter
With the debate raging over LGBT issues, some companies have chosen to jump headfirst into marketing campaigns that lend their support. However, it’s been a disaster many times as more conservative Americans, particularly those on the religious right, have an issue with such grandstanding.
Recently, Target has seen a $10 billion drop in their market value after they prominently displayed gay paraphernalia at the front of their stores. And the public relations nightmare involving Bud Light and transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney has cost parent company Anheuser-Busch untold millions in revenue.
Major League Baseball has been caught up in all the gay gaga as well. The fury surrounding the Los Angeles Dodgers’ decision to include an anti-Catholic drag queen group as part of their Pride Night in June has brought on calls of more boycotts.
BREAKING REPORT: 'Boycott Target' TAKES THE # 1 SPOT on Apple iTunes for ALL MUSIC, knocking Taylor Swift to #2..
pic.twitter.com/coDxdqeblh— Antonio Sabato Jr (@AntonioSabatoJr) May 31, 2023
RELATED: Bishop Robert Barron Calls On Catholics To Boycott Dodgers Over Pride Night Controversy
In the midst of all that, Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Anthony Bass felt the need to add his two cents. But now, he’s cashing out following backlash from those on the opposite side of the aisle.
Bass briefly shared a faith-based video to his Instagram account which called on Christians to stop patronizing companies that go against biblical teachings. However, he quickly deleted the post after receiving considerable criticism.
Bass later addressed the situation with the media, where he essentially did a 180-degree turn and apologized for his rather anodyne post.
“I’ll make this quick,” Anthony Bass said. “I recognize yesterday that I made a post that was hurtful to the pride community, which includes friends of mine and close family members of mine, and I am truly sorry for that.”
He added that he had a change of heart after talking to friends and teammates.
“I just spoke with my teammates and shared with them my actions yesterday. I apologized (to) them and, as of right now, I am using the Blue Jays’ resources to better educate myself to make better decisions moving forward. The ballpark is for everybody. We include all fans at the ballpark and we want to welcome everybody.”
MLB Pitcher Anthony Bass Apologizes For Sharing Our #BoycottTarget Song
Free Speech Doesn’t Exist SMH 🤦🏻♂️ pic.twitter.com/Br1cTGabYu
— Trumps Nephew (@ForgiatoBlow47) May 31, 2023
Bass’s waffling on the matter was the subject of instant ire by conservatives. He was shamed on social media for failing to stand up for his morals. And fans and critics blamed the Blue Jays and MLB for coercing him into flipping-flopping on the issue.
Following his apology, he team will not discipline Anthony Bass for his original actions.
The Blue Jays (29-26, fourth in the AL East) will resume their series at home against the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday night.