Chicago Bulls Release Jaden Ivey Following Anti-LGBTQ+ Instagram Rant
The Chicago Bulls have officially parted ways with guard Jaden Ivey. The sudden roster move comes on the heels of a highly controversial 45-minute video Ivey posted to his Instagram account, which featured a series of anti-LGBTQ+ comments directly criticizing the NBA’s celebration of Pride Month.
In the lengthy social media post, the former lottery pick took aim at the league’s long-standing inclusivity initiatives. Expressing his frustrations, Ivey questioned why the NBA and the world at large heavily promote Pride Month, repeatedly labeling the celebrations as “unrighteousness.”
“That the world can proclaim LGBTQ. Right. They have, they proclaim Pride Month and the NBA. They proclaim it. They show it to the world,” Ivey stated in the video. “They say, ‘Come. Come join us for Pride Month. To celebrate unrighteousness. They proclaim it.”
He continued his critique, expressing frustration over what he perceives as a double standard regarding religious speech versus LGBTQ+ visibility.
“They proclaim it on the billboards. They proclaim it in the streets. Unrighteousness,” he added. “So how is it that one can’t speak righteousness? How is it one that… How are they to say that… You, you… Man, this man is crazy.”
The backlash was quick. Shortly after the video began circulating across social media platforms, the Bulls front office made the decisive move to release Ivey.
While franchises sometimes issue fines, mandatory counseling, or suspensions for conduct detrimental to the team, Chicago opted for a clean break. The swift release shows how seriously organizations are taking the NBA’s core values of inclusion, respect, and diversity.
The NBA has long been a vocal proponent of LGBTQ+ rights, with all 30 teams hosting annual Pride nights, promoting inclusivity campaigns, and partnering with various advocacy groups. Ivey’s comments put him in direct conflict with those league-wide initiatives.
