Spike Lee sparked debate at the 2026 NBA All-Star Game by wearing a keffiyeh and carrying a Palestinian flag, drawing criticism and praise amid Deni Avdija’s historic start as the first Israeli player.

Filmmaker Spike Lee drew attention at the 2026 NBA All-Star Game for wearing a keffiyeh and carrying a bag with the Palestinian flag, sparking debate over political expression in sports. The gesture occurred as Deni Avdija, the first Israeli player to start in the game, expressed pride in his historic participation. Critics, including some conservative commentators, condemned Lee’s attire as antisemitic, while supporters viewed it as a symbolic stand for Palestinian rights amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The incident reignited discussions about activism in sports, media coverage, and the role of public figures in shaping discourse on global humanitarian issues.