Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Warriors distance themselves from Chamath Palihapitiya's Uyghur comments

Warriors distance themselves from Chamath Palihapitiya's Uyghur comments

THE NBA's Golden State Warriors have distanced themselves from executive board member Chamath Palihapitiya, after he repeatedly said he did not care "about what's happening to the Uyghurs" on a podcast.

"As a limited investor who has no day-to-day operating functions with the Warriors, Mr Palihapitiya does not speak on behalf of our franchise, and his views certainly don't reflect those of our organization," the San Francisco team said Monday on Twitter.


Rights experts, witnesses and the US government have said that more than one million Uyghurs and other Turkic-speaking Muslims are incarcerated in camps in China's Xinjiang province.

Beijing describes the sites as vocational training centers and has said that, like many Western nations, it is seeking to counter radical Islamic terrorism.

But the US has described the campaign as genocide and, along with Australia, Britain and Canada, has planned a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Games over the issue.

Palihapitiya was discussing US-China policy on his All-In Podcast when he made the comments.

In response to a co-host commenting on the Biden administration's position on Xinjiang, he responded: "Let's be honest, no one cares about what's happening to the Uyghurs."

"You bring it up... the rest of us don't care," he continued.

When challenged by his co-hosts, he doubled down.

"I care about the fact that our economy could turn on a dime, if China invades Taiwan," he said.

"But if you're asking me do I care about a segment of a class of people in another country -- not until we can take care of ourselves, will I prioritize them over us."

Palihapitiya has since said he had appeared to be "lacking empathy."

"To be clear, my belief is that human rights matter, whether in China, the US, or elsewhere," he wrote on Twitter.

China has a record of freezing out sports personalities, teams and organizations critical of Beijing.

The NBA has not been shown on state broadcaster CCTV since a Houston Rockets chief executive tweeted his support for Hong Kong's democracy movement more than two years ago.

Streaming service Tencent stopped showing games involving the Boston Celtics after their player Enes Kanter branded President Xi Jinping a "brutal dictator" and condemned Beijing's policies in Tibet.

Kanter tweeted a clip of Palihapitiya's comments, writing: "When genocides happen, it is people like this that let it happen. Shame!"

More For You

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions
Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions

THE Sri Lanka government on Wednesday (2) formed a committee to recommend measures regarding the UK's decision to impose sanctions on three former military commanders who led the campaign that crushed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009.

Health minister Nalinda Jayatissa told reporters that foreign minister Vijitha Herath, justice minister Harshana Nanayakkara and deputy minister of defence Aruna Jayasekara would comprise the committee that would consult experts for the purpose.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gujarat-blast-ANI

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed. (Photo: ANI)

ANI

Death toll rises to 21 in Gujarat firework factory explosion

AN EXPLOSION at an illegal firecracker factory in Gujarat's Deesa town killed 21 people and injured several others on Tuesday, officials said.

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed.

Keep ReadingShow less
Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

Child benefit, normally paid every four weeks directly into bank accounts, has undergone significant changes in recent months (Photo: Getty Images)

Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

MILLIONS of British families are set to receive a financial boost as child benefit payments increase from April 7, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

From next week, parents will receive £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child, amounting to £1,354.60 annually - up from the current rate of £25.60. For each additional child, payments will rise to £17.25 weekly, totalling £897 per year - an increase from the present £16.95 rate. This represents a 1.7 per cent increase across all payment categories.

Keep ReadingShow less
Anant Ambani Walks 140 Km in Spiritual Tribute on 30th Birthday

Anant’s padyatra is a reflection of the larger cultural fabric of India

Getty

Anant Ambani embarks on a 140-kilometer spiritual journey on foot to celebrate 30th birthday

Anant Ambani, a director of Reliance Industries Limited and a prominent figure in Indian industry, has chosen a unique and spiritual way to mark his 30th birthday. As part of his celebrations, he is currently undertaking a padyatra—a traditional pilgrimage on foot—from Jamnagar to Dwarka, covering a distance of approximately 140 kilometres. The journey reflects his devotion to Lord Dwarkadhish, the presiding deity of the Dwarkadhish Temple in the city of Dwarka.

Anant began his journey from his family’s residence in Moti Khavdi, Jamnagar, and has been progressing steadily for the past five days. Walking an estimated 10-12 kilometres each night, he travels under the protection of Z+ security and local police, ensuring his safety during this significant journey. The padyatra is expected to take between seven to nine days in total, with plans to conclude at the Dwarkadhish Temple in time for his birthday on April 10.

Keep ReadingShow less
New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

Government urged experts to come forward to help draw up a new five-year TB action plan. (Photo: Getty Images)

New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

BRITAIN on Wednesday (2) urged health experts and sufferers of tuberculosis (TB) to come forward to help draw up a new five-year action plan as it deals with record rises in the disease.

In 2023, England recorded its largest annual increase (11 per cent) in cases since enhanced surveillance began in 2000.

Keep ReadingShow less