Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander apologizes for sharing anti-Muslim posts
Anthony Santander said he regrets sharing anti-Muslim content and pledged not to post hateful material after the team’s leadership apologized to Muslim community leaders.
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander issued an apology on Friday after sharing anti-Muslim posts on social media. In an Instagram-story statement, he said that reflection and conversations with trusted individuals made him realize he should have been more thoughtful about what he shared and the responsibility that comes with a public platform.
"I am sorry for the hurt caused by the content I shared. It does not reflect my beliefs, and I respect the Muslim community. I will not share content that promotes hate," Santander wrote.
Santander posted the material on 4 November and removed it the next morning. The posts included a video of a Christian preacher disparaging Muslims and a clip suggesting Sharia law would be imposed in the United States after Abdul El-Sayed’s election to the U.S. Senate in Michigan.
His apology followed statements from Blue Jays president and chief executive Mark Shapiro, who had met with Muslim community leaders and apologized to them and the team’s fans. General manager Ross Atkins also asked Santander to address the issue publicly.
The 32-year-old Venezuelan, who signed a five-year, $92.5 million contract with Toronto in January 2025, missed the entire 2026 season due to injuries. The team has not indicated whether any disciplinary action will be taken.