Kyrie Irving's Ties to Chinese Firm Linked to Human Rights Abuses Raise Concerns

Kyrie Irving's new shoe deal with Chinese apparel company ANTA has come under scrutiny due to the company's alleged links to human rights abuses, including forced labor and the persecution of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang. The U.S. Congress has warned the NBA about ANTA and other Chinese apparel firms that profit from supply chains connected to forced labor. ANTA, which is worth over $30 billion, has been accused of sourcing cotton from the region despite a U.S. ban. Irving, who became ANTA's chief creative officer, and other NBA players with ANTA deals are facing criticism for their association with the company. ANTA has denied the allegations and stated that their suppliers are prohibited from using forced labor.