Toronto-Armenian youth urge Kobe Bryant to “do the right thing” and back out of a deal with Turkish Airlines
TORONTO, Canada—As Kobe Bryant continues to remain silent about the recent controversy surrounding his new business agreement with Turkish Airlines, over 30 members of the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) of Toronto held a rally prior to the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Toronto Raptors game on Sun., Dec. 19 at the Air Canada Centre.
The protesters took to the streets of Toronto and held large banners that read “Kobe: Do the Right Thing” and “Morals over Money,” among others.
“Kobe’s recent agreement with Turkish Airlines, 49 percent of which is owned by the Republic of Turkey, has tremendously upset Armenians and stands in stark contrast to public statements he has made calling for an end to the genocide in Darfur,” said Rupen Janbazian of the Toronto AYF. “Turkey’s long list of human rights violations, including the ongoing denial of the Armenian Genocide, restrictions of free speech and expression, and its continued support of the genocidal government of Sudan, prove that this deal seriously damages Kobe’s reputation.”
As the controversy continues to grow and spread throughout North American media, Armenian communities all over the world still demand a statement to be made by Bryant. Consequently, Toronto’s large Armenian community kept the pressure on Bryant during his visit, asking him to rescind his contract and make a statement separating himself from the actions of the government of Turkey.
At first glance the Armenian community gave Bryant—who has a large Armenian fan base in Canada, the U.S., and throughout the world—the benefit of the doubt, believing that the ill-advised agreement was an unfortunate case of oversight. However, his silence has Armenian communities growing increasingly anxious and angry.
It is a shame to see how Turkey uses its ugly claws to cling on everyone and anyone she can use for her benefit.. and these suckers like Kobe and Rihanna and others who fall for it as absolutely pathetic… instead of doing research and truly understand what Turkey represents, all they see is green dollar signs… something Turkey is good at because they have nothing else to offer… all they can do is show the money… unfortunately, greed, and self drenched ego is what these celebs good at..they are not smart enough to ask questions.. when you ask, you shall receive.. but obviously Kobe just wanted to receive.. and not an answer to what Turkey is all about but how much money… it is sad.. i hope he feels guilty and embarassed for such an action.. especially when he is being silent about this..
Shame on him..
G