Parker pleaded ignorance about the meaning of the “quenelle," described by critics as
a reverse Nazi salute and the creation of Dieudonne M'bala M'bala, a French comedian who has openly mocked the Holocaust and supported Iran's hostile policy towards Israel.
"While
this gesture has been part of French culture for many years, it was not until recently that I learned of the very negative concerns associated with it. When l was photographed making that gesture three years ago, I thought it was part of a comedy act and did not know that it could be in any way offensive or harmful," Parker said in a statement released by the Spurs.
"Since I have been made aware of the seriousness of this gesture, I will certainly never repeat the gesture and sincerely apologize for any misunderstanding or harm relating to my actions. Hopefully this incident will serve to educate others that we need to be more aware that things that may seem innocuous can actually have a history of hate and hurt."
A friend of Parker’s told the Daily News Monday that
while Parker had not been aware of the meaning of the gesture until recently, he had already distanced himself from the comedian, declining to attend a performance Dieudonne had invited the French national basketball team to attend last summer.
“
He didn’t want to be associated with his views,” said the friend. “Tony is one of the most decent, honest and responsible players, but he has not in any way supported hateful political positions and has kept away from this increasingly hateful rhetoric. He wants to do what’s right, and his statement reflects that accountability and a willingness to learn from his mistakes.”
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Originally Posted by Zippyjuan
Dieudonné M'bala M'bala performs the quenelle, a gesture he popularized referencing the Nazi salute. Patrick Kovarick/AFP/Getty Images 
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