Backlash Over Nike Tribute to Lebron James Tribute After Ad Uses Religious Language: “Stop Mocking Jesus”

Nike posted an Instagram video this week that highlights the company’s achievements. LeBron JamesCelebrates the accomplishment of becoming the NBA’s All-Time Leading Scorer.

The background music was used to celebrate. Los Angeles Lakers Star has caused quite the stir.

The black-and-white video of him highlights had the audio of an apparent preacher.

This was a revival. “WITNESS” James was part of a campaign that was used during his first stint in the Cleveland Cavaliers mid-2000s. But, this didn’t stop Instagram users expressing their disgust at the brand.

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LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers’ forward celebrates scoring to surpass Kareem Abdel-Jabbar and become the NBA’s All-Time Leading Scorer in the second quarter of a NBA basketball match against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday, February 7, 2023. This was taken in Los Angeles.  (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

The Listen to the lyrics:

“Do we have anyone in the building today willing to testify? Talk to me now; he’s done so much already. We’ve witnessed him do so much already. We’ve heard about the things this man can do already. And we just can’t help but celebrate him. Haters, go ahead and recognize, that when you speak on his name, you’re gonna go higher, higher, higher. So excuse me while I cut a step, ‘cause I can’t help but to honor him. I can’t help but to lift him up. I got one last question for ya. Can I get a witness? Can I get a witness? I said can I get a witness?”

After breaking the NBA all-time scoring record against the Oklahoma City Thunder, LeBron James (6 Los Angeles Lakers) meets former player Kareem Abul-Jabbar during the second period at Crypto.com Arena  (Gary A. Vasquez USA Today Sports/File Photograph)

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Voice actor Alonzo Chadwick Tweeted He was the voice of the preacher and the sound was only recorded for the commercial. However, many Instagram users still found the language to be in poor taste.

“The choice of song is incredibly inappropriate,” One user wrote. This was one of the nicer ones.

There is another, “Choose a different audio… he’s a great basketball player, but he’s not The Lord. Another said that Nike was “mocking” Jesus.

Nike signed James to an endorsement deal for close to $100 million right out of high school in 2003, and he has been linked to the brand ever since.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James tosses powder in the air prior to the team’s NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to be the NBA’s all-time point leader on Tuesday

Fox News reached out to Nike for comments.