Earlier this week, Nike posted a video on Instagram highlighting LeBron James’ career and celebrating his recent feat of becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
However, the background music used to celebrate the Los Angeles Lakers star has caused quite a stir.
In the black-and-white video filled with his best moments, the audio was that of an apparent preacher.
The ad was a revival of the old «WITNESS» campaign used for James during his early stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the mid-2000s, but that didn’t stop Instagrammers from lashing out at the brand.
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James celebrates after scoring to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer during the second half of an NBA basketball game against Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
He letter reading:
«Do we have someone in the building today willing to testify? Talk to me now; he’s done a lot already. We’ve seen him do a lot already. We’ve heard about the things this man can already do. And I just can’t help but celebrate. Haters, keep going.» go ahead and recognize that when you speak on your behalf, you’re going to go higher and higher. So excuse me as I take a step, because I can’t help it. but to honor it. I can’t help but lift it up. I have one last question for you. Can I get A witness? Can I get a witness? I said, can I get a witness?
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) meets with former player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar after breaking the all-time NBA scoring record against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. (Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo)
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Voice actor Alonso Chadwick claimed in a tweet that he was the voice of the preacher, and the sound was recorded solely for the commercial. However, many Instagram users still found the language to be in poor taste.
«The song choice is unbelievably inappropriate,» wrote one user. That was one of the prettiest.
Another added: «Choose a different audio…he’s a great basketball player, but he’s not the Lord. Another said Nike was ‘mocking’ Jesus.
Nike signed James to a nearly $100 million endorsement deal right out of high school in 2003, and he’s been tied to the brand ever since.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James throws dust into the air before the team’s NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
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James passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time points leader on Tuesday.
Fox News has reached out to Nike for comment.