NBA investor says “nobody cares” about human rights abuses in China

Billionaire investor Chamath Palihapitiya attracted criticism on social media after saying during a recent episode of his podcast that “nobody cares” about the ongoing human rights abuses against the Uyghurs in China.

During a 90-minute episode, Palihapitiya told co-host Jason Calacanis on their “All-In” podcast that he would be lying if he said that he cared about the Uyghurs, an ethnic Muslim minority in China’s northwest region of Xinjiang.

“Every time I say that I care about the Uyghurs, I’m really just lying if I don’t really care. And so, I’d rather not lie to you and tell you the truth, it’s not a priority for me,” said Palihapitiya, a venture capitalist who reports say owns as much as 10% of the NBA team the Golden State Warriors. However, an NBA source familiar says Palihapitiya owns around 2%.

The Warriors wrote in a statement on Twitter Monday that Palihapitiya “does not speak on behalf of our franchise, and his views certainly don’t reflect those of our organization.” The Golden State Warriors’ statement did not mention the Uyghurs or China.

The Warriors also said that Palihapitiya is “a limited investor who has no day-to-day operating functions” and “does not speak on behalf of our franchise, and his views certainly don’t reflect those of our organization.”

Palihapitiya also took the chance to clarify his remarks on Monday. “Important issues deserve nuanced discussions. Some clarifying comments,” Palihapitiya tweeted, along with an attached statement.

“In re-listening to this week’s podcast, I recognize that came across as lacking empathy. I acknowledge that entirely,” Palihapitiya wrote. “As a refugee, my family fled a country with its own set of human rights issues so this is something that is very much a part of my lived experience.”