Anthony Santander apologizes for anti-Muslim social media posts
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander apologized on Instagram on Friday, Nov. 13, after sharing anti-Muslim posts on Nov. 4 following the U.S. midterm elections.
"After taking time to reflect on my recent social posts and speaking with people I trust and respect, I recognize that I should have been more thoughtful about what I shared on my platform," Santander wrote. "I realize that this content caused hurt and I sincerely apologize."
Santander shared a post with a thumbnail of Abdul El-Sayed, the senator-elect in Michigan, saying "America voted for Sharia last night" and another reading "Islam is not peaceful" via Instagram. The posts have since been deleted.
Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro released a statement apologizing on behalf of the organization and pledging to "work with leaders in Muslim communities to fight all forms of hate." The team met with leaders in Toronto's Muslim communities on Thursday, Nov. 12.
"We met with leaders in Toronto's Muslim communities today, who shared the harm caused by Anthony Santander's Islamophobic social media posts," Shapiro said in a statement posted to the team's X account. "The opportunity to listen and learn was important and reaffirms our beliefs and values as an organization. We condemn Islamophobia and all forms of hate."
Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said in Las Vegas earlier this week, "Anything exacerbating some level of hate, anti-Islamic, is just extremely concerning and extremely disappointing."
Santander, 32, signed a five-year, $92.5 million contract with the Blue Jays in January 2025. He has appeared in just 54 games with the team and did not play last season due to injury.
