Cleveland Cavaliers Apologize For ‘Insensitive’ Video Played During Game
INDEPENDENCE, OHIO – MAY 7, 2015 (Gephardt Daily) – The Cleveland Cavaliers organization has issued an apology for a video that played during a time out in last night’s game against the Chicago Bulls.
The video is a parody of a United Healthcare commercial that in turn parodies the film “Dirty Dancing,” in which a couple whose favorite song “I’ve had the time of my life” comes on. The two begin to dance when the wife springs a leap at her unsuspecting husband and gets injured in the process.
But the version that was played on the Jumbotron has caused a mass of controversy and led Domestic Violence Organizations to question how something like this can affect the way we view abuse.
In a statement posted to NBA.com, the Cavaliers said: “Domestic violence is a very serious matter and has no place in a parody video that plays in an entertainment venue. We sincerely apologize to those who have been affected by domestic violence for the obvious negative feelings caused by being exposed to this insensitive video.”
They go on to say: “The Cavaliers organization has a strong and lengthy track record of supporting domestic violence-related causes and efforts. We will continue to proudly work with our regional partners at the Domestic Violence & Child Advocacy Center in support of their numerous programs to end domestic violence in our country once and for all.”
Some, however, feel the video isn’t making fun of of domestic violence.
SiriusXM Bleacher Report host Dan Levy didn’t see anything wrong with it because it was a parody:
ESPN’s Bomani Jones felt it was bad taste to put something of this nature on the Jumbotron:
The video has definitely hit some nerves on both sides of the spectrum with those who are defending the video and those offended by the video chiming in on feeds all over the country.
For now, the Cavaliers have pulled the video and expressed their concern for lack of sensitivity in showing the parody at last nights game.
Speaking as a survivor of domestic abuse I found the video disgusting. To this day I don’t watch football or any kinds of sports for that matter, because before/during/after each sporting event my abuser would be the most abusive. As a result of his abuse I have a messed up rib cage. After I left him he came after me and as a result I no longer have teeth. So, no. I don’t find any parody on domestic abuse appropriate under any circumstances. We’re trying to educate society as to the signs of abuse, not make fun of it, because it’s not funny! Abuse kills! http://www.abuseisnotfunny.com