Puka Nacua’s controversial livestream appearance just went from bad to nuclear. The Los Angeles Rams wide receiver issued a public apology Thursday after U.S. Congressman Eric Swalwell demanded a serious apology for promising to perform an antisemitic touchdown celebration.
Nacua showed respect for the demand and dropped his apology note on social media hours before the Rams’ crucial Thursday Night Football matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.
Puka Nacua issues public apology following backlash over touchdown celebration
The third-year wideout appeared on Adin Ross and N3on’s Kick livestream Tuesday. What started as a casual chat turned into a PR nightmare within a very short time.
During the friendly livestream, Ross guided the receiver through an antisemitic TD celebration that ended with Nacua looking into the camera and rubbing his hands together, which was actually a stereotypical gesture indicating greed that Ross’ fans call his “iconic Jewish dance.”
Ross then asked Nacua to perform the celebration during the Rams’ game against the Seahawks on Thursday night, and Nacua promised he would.
The video has since turned viral for all the wrong reasons. California Rep. Eric Swalwell was among those who took notice and reacted to the sensitive gesture. He allegedly referenced the recent mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Bondi Beach, Australia, that left 15 people dead.
“The Los Angeles Jewish community is on edge after the Bondi Beach massacre,” Swalwell said Wednesday on X. “And what does this a—-e @AsapPuka do? He promises an antisemitic touchdown dance for his Thursday night game. He should apologize or be dropped.”
𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: US Congressman Eric Swalwell calls for Puka Nacua to be cut by the Rams or to apologize for the antisemitic Jewish dance that he said he will do when he scores his next touchdown.
“He promises an antisemitic touchdown dance for the Thursday night game. He… https://t.co/IeoDtiWmbg pic.twitter.com/kly2aACzGd
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) December 18, 2025
Nacua responded Thursday afternoon with a statement posted to his IG story. “When I appeared the other day on a social media livestream, it was suggested to me to perform a specific movement as part of my next touchdown celebration,” Nacua wrote.
A statement from Rams WR Puka Nacua, apologizing: pic.twitter.com/h2UZX5fn4W
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 18, 2025
He added, “At the time, I had no idea this act was antisemitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people. I deeply apologize to anyone who was offended by my actions as I do not stand for any form of racism, bigotry or hate of another group of people.”
His livestream was a train wreck from the start, and it continued until its conclusion as he publicly criticized the officials. He also threw shade at Travis Kelce’s love life during the stream, blaming the “Swift curse” for Kansas City’s historic playoff collapse.
Overall, the stream was highly controversial, significantly damaging Nacua’s reputation. And if reports are correct, then the NFL will soon drop a slap for his controversial stream.
Despite the chaos, he is expected to be part of the TNF roster. He experienced a cramping scare during the Rams’ Week 15 win over Detriot Lions but returned to play. No serious injury was reported, and he’s on track for Week 16.
Leave a Comment
Share your thoughts and join the discussion