Spike Lee Denies Pro-Palestinian All-Star Outfit Was Aimed at Deni Avdija

Filmmaker says his clothing was a statement of concern for Palestinian children, not a comment on the Israeli-born NBA player.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Acclaimed filmmaker and New York Knicks superfan Spike Lee made a pro-Palestine statement with his clothing during the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend, but he insists it was not a shot at Israeli player Deni Avdija, who was playing in his first All-Star Game. Lee took to Instagram to clarify that his outfit was a symbol of his concern for Palestinian children and civilians, and not intended as a gesture of hostility toward Jewish people or a comment on Avdija's significance as the first Israeli-born NBA All-Star.

Why it matters

Spike Lee's fashion choices at high-profile events often spark discussion and debate, and his pro-Palestinian attire at the NBA All-Star Game raised questions about whether he was making a statement about the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Lee's clarification aims to separate his broader advocacy from any perceived targeting of Avdija, the first Israeli player to be named an NBA All-Star.

The details

While attending the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles, Lee posted a photo of himself on Instagram wearing clothing that expressed support for the Palestinian cause. In the caption, Lee stated that his outfit was a symbol of his concern for Palestinian children and civilians, and was not intended as a gesture of hostility toward Jewish people or a comment on the significance of Deni Avdija being the first Israeli-born NBA All-Star. Lee said he was not aware of Avdija's participation in the game until after the fact.

  • Spike Lee attended the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles.

The players

Spike Lee

An acclaimed filmmaker and superfan of the New York Knicks who made a pro-Palestinian statement with his clothing at the 2026 NBA All-Star Game.

Deni Avdija

An Israeli-born player who was named an NBA All-Star for the first time in 2026, playing for the Portland Trail Blazers.

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What they’re saying

“Much Respect To Deni Avdija, The First Israeli-Born Player In The NBA All-Star Game. Congratulations Also To All The Players And The NBA. There Has Been Some Conjecture About What I Wore To The Games on Saturday and Sunday. The Clothes I Wore are Symbols of My Concern For The Palestinian Children and Civilians, And My Utmost Belief In Human Dignity For All Humankind.”

— Spike Lee (Instagram)

“What I Wore Was Not Intended As A Gesture Of Hostility To Jewish People Or To Support Violence Against Anyone, Nor Was It Intended As A Comment On The Significance Of Deni Being An All-Star. There Were 28 NBA Players Chosen To Be In LA This Weekend. I Didn't Know Them All And Deni Playing For The Portland Trailblazers, A West Coast Team, I Didn't Know Deni As The First Israeli Born NBA All-Star. He can BALL. NOW I DO KNOW.”

— Spike Lee (Instagram)

The takeaway

Spike Lee's pro-Palestinian fashion statement at the NBA All-Star Game sparked discussion, but the filmmaker clarified that his outfit was not intended as a gesture of hostility toward Jewish people or a comment on the significance of Deni Avdija being the first Israeli-born NBA All-Star. Lee's advocacy is focused on his concern for Palestinian children and civilians, rather than any specific targeting of Avdija or the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.