Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander apologized for anti-Muslim social media posts he shared on Nov. 4 and deleted the next morning.
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Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander apologized for sharing anti-Muslim posts online, saying the content caused hurt and fell short of his own convictions.
In an Instagram statement, Santander said he recognized he should have been more thoughtful about what he shared and the responsibility that comes with having a public voice. “I realize that this content caused hurt and I sincerely apologize,” he wrote. “I should have been more thoughtful about what I shared, recognizing the responsibility that comes with having a public voice.”
Santander added that, as “a man of faith,” he believes “every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their religion, background, or beliefs,” and he said he affirms his “respect for the Muslim community and for the dignity and freedom of people of every faith and background.”
The outfielder said the posts were shared on Nov. 4 and deleted the next morning. The posts included a video of a Christian preacher disparaging Muslims and another suggesting Sharia law would be imposed on the United States after Abdul El-Sayed’s election to the U.S. Senate in Michigan.
Santander’s apology came a day after Blue Jays president and chief executive officer Mark Shapiro apologized to the Muslim community and fans following a meeting with community leaders, and after general manager Ross Atkins asked Santander to address the controversy publicly.
Santander is 32 and is listed with injuries that kept him out for the entire 2026 big-league season. He signed a five-year, US$92.5-million contract with Toronto in January 2025, and it remains unclear whether the team will discipline him for the posts.
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