MLB star Anthony Bass apologized Tuesday after sharing a post on social media that urged Christians to boycott Target and Bud Light for their recent ad and product campaigns that celebrated transgenderism.
On Monday, Bass shared a reel to his Instagram story in which an influencer, named @dudewithgoodnews, said “this is evil, this is demonic” of Target’s new Pride-themed clothing line for children, which included gender-transition messaging. Bass is the pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays and a Christian.
“We will expose your works of darkness,” the personality wrote in the caption. “For those who don’t know, Target has begun pushing the message of transitioning to young people and teamed up with a satanist to push pro Satan clothing and pins to children. The enemy isn’t even hiding anymore.”
Prompted by reporters Tuesday, however, Bass backtracked on his support of anti-LGBT consumer activism.
“I recognize yesterday I made a post that was hurtful to the Pride community, which includes friends of mine and close family members of mine, and I’m truly sorry for that,” Bass told the media. “I just spoke with my teammates, shared with them my actions yesterday. Right now I’m using the Blue Jay’s resource to better educate myself and make better decisions moving forward.”
“The ballpark is for everybody. We include all fans and we want to welcome everybody,” he added.
Statement from Anthony Bass: pic.twitter.com/UXLrx1HVO5
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) May 30, 2023
Last week, it was revealed that Target contracted with Abprallen — a clothing brand that sells Satanist merchandise, some of which glorifies violence, in a collaboration for its “PRIDE” collection. While Target did not sell Abprallen’s Satanist-inspired products, the retail giant hired Abprallen to design pride-related items that included a messenger bag saying “We Belong Everywhere” across trans-flag colors and planets, a tote bag with the message “Too Queer for Here” beneath a UFO, and a “Cure Transphobia, Not Trans People” sweatshirt.
After a week of backlash, Target removed a couple of the items from the website.
“Satan loves you and respects who you are; you’re important and valuable in this world and you deserve to treat yourself with love and respect. LGBT+ people are so often referred to as being a product of Satan or going against God’s will, so fine. We’ll hang with Satan instead,” Abprallen wrote in an Instagram caption in March. “Satanists don’t actually believe in Satan, he is merely used as a symbol of passion, pride, and liberty. He means to you what you need him to mean. So for me, Satan is hope, compassion, equality, and love.”
Some journalists also reported that Target appeared to have “tuck-friendly” swim suits in some stores’ kids sections, suggesting that minor boys undergoing a sex change to a female could wear the apparel.
A spokesperson for the Blue Jays defended the team’s LGBT inclusivity in a statement to the Toronto Star, noting that “individual player sentiments are not representative of the club’s beliefs.”
“The Blue Jays bring millions of fans together across Canada and are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming experience for all,” the statement said. “The Blue Jays are proud to celebrate LGBTQ2S+ Pride Month, including a special fourth annual Pride Weekend at the ballpark June 9 and 10, and demonstrations of allyship all month long around the ballpark.”