Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards has publicly recanted comments in which it appeared he urged a woman to get an abortion after screenshots of the apparent exchange were posted on social media.
Edwards issued the statement on Monday, a day after Instagram posts emerged alleging to depict a text message conversation between Edwards and model Paige Jordae.
"I made comments in the heat of a moment that are not me, and that are not aligned with what I believe and who I want to be as a man," Edwards wrote. "All women should be supported and empowered to make their own decisions about their bodies and what is best for them. I am handling my personal matters privately and will not be commenting on them any further at this time."
— Anthony Edwards (@theantedwards_) December 18, 2023
Here's what you need to know:
What did Anthony Edwards say?
In the text chain — which Edwards was tagged in — a person labeled Anthony Edwards appeared to have been disgruntled after Jordae revealed that she was pregnant.
"Hell nawl can't do dis," the person labeled as Edwards apparently wrote in response to a picture of Jordae's pregnancy test. "Get a abortion lol."
Jordae posted a screenshot a short time later appearing to show a wire transfer of $100,000 made on her behalf.
Per the New York Post, another account associated with Jordae posted an Instagram Story around the same time that read: "I've never once ran to the internet about NO ONE. I tried over and over to handle this privately and my efforts were ignored. I've been lied to and manipulated by someone who knows exactly what they're doing and takes no accountability for anything".
Edwards, 22, is one of the NBA's biggest young stars. He inked a five-year, $260 million extension to stay in Minnesota in the summer. He and Adidas recently partnered to release the AE 1, Edwards' first signature shoe.
The team has not yet made a statement on the situation.