Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander has issued a public apology following widespread backlash regarding two anti-Muslim social media posts shared during election week, reported Yahoo Sports.
The posts, which claimed that “America voted for Sharia last night” and stated that “Islam is not peaceful,” drew immediate and intense criticism from the public, according to ClutchPoints.
In a statement posted to his Instagram story, the 32-year-old athlete acknowledged that he should have exercised greater caution regarding the content he shared on his platform, as noted by Keegan Matheson.
“After taking time to reflect on my recent social media posts and speaking with people I trust and respect, I recognize that I should have been more thoughtful about what I shared on my platform,” Santander wrote.
He further addressed the Muslim community, stating that he believes every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and respect regardless of their background or religious beliefs, per ClutchPoints.
The organization responded to the controversy by meeting with leaders of the local Muslim community on Thursday, according to Yahoo Sports.
Blue Jays CEO Mark Shapiro released a formal statement condemning the behavior, noting that the team stands against all forms of hate, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
“We condemn Islamophobia and all forms of hate,” Shapiro stated.
Santander, who signed a five-year, $92.5 million contract in January 2025, has faced a difficult tenure in Toronto, including missing the 2026 season due to surgery, noted ClutchPoints.
Concluding his apology, the player vowed to ensure that his future communications do not promote discrimination or violence, according to Yahoo Sports.