Dominican entertainment website KPININI sparked a heated debate on social media after publicly demanding that basketball player Al Horford “surrender his Dominican identity card.”
The criticism comes after the athlete’s silence regarding the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub, where legendary merengue singer Rubby Pérez died, among other victims.
SEE THE VIDEO LINK AT THE END OF KPININI’S POST CONTENT ABOUT AL HORFORD
According to KPININI, it is unacceptable that a figure of Horford’s stature, with Dominican roots and international recognition.
He has not spoken out or shown solidarity in the face of an event that has profoundly affected the nation.
In its post, the page suggested that his lack of empathy is reason enough to question his ties to the country.
The claim was made with irony and a defiant tone, sparking comments on social media.
Many internet users agreed that Horford, as the country’s ambassador to global sport, has a moral responsibility to speak out in times of collective grief.
Others, however, defended their right to remain silent, arguing that mourning is not enforced on social media.
The Jet Set tragedy shocked the country and generated a wave of solidarity everywhere.
Artists, athletes, and public figures have expressed their condolences, highlighting Rubby Pérez’s legacy.
It is in this context that Al Horford’s absence has stood out to some as a sign of indifference or disconnection from his roots.
Although the player has not issued any statement, the uproar surrounding his silence reveals how social media has raised expectations about the conduct of public figures in times of crisis.
HERE IS THE LINK TO THE VIDEO OF KAPININI’S PUBLICATION ABOUT AL HORFOTD