Miami Heat Condemn Harmful Rumors Targeting Haitian Community…

The Miami Heat have expressed strong opposition to harmful and offensive rumors targeting the Haitian community. A false claim emerged in Springfield, Ohio, suggesting that Haitians were eating pets, and this unfounded rumor gained wider attention when Donald Trump mentioned it during a recent presidential debate with Kamala Harris. Despite being fact-checked, the rumor has fueled hate against Haitians.

Erika Lee, a Springfield resident who initially spread the rumor through a Facebook post, has since apologized, admitting that the situation escalated beyond her intent. She expressed sympathy for the Haitian community, acknowledging the fear they must feel as a result of the baseless accusations.

The Heat’s support for the Haitian community is significant, particularly in Miami-Dade County, which has one of the largest Haitian populations in the U.S., with Haitians making up about 3.7% of the county’s 2.7 million residents. The team’s solidarity aims to encourage further support for the Haitian community nationwide.

Although the Miami Heat’s 2024-25 season has not yet started, the franchise is continuing to maintain its presence in the community, with hopes of giving its fans something to celebrate after last season’s early playoff exit. The team aims to regain the form that led them to the NBA Finals in 2022-23.