NBA superstar LeBron James has faced intense backlash online after his behavior toward a young fan who was eager to see the basketball legend after Team USA’s gold medal win at the Paris Olympics.  Footage of the incident shows LeBron stepping out of his vehicle to enter a restaurant after the Olympic victory.  Simultaneously, an overjoyed boy ran up to James, bursting with excitement.

The fan could be seen holding out his phone as if he wanted to take a photo with LeBron.  However, James was not the least bit welcoming to the gesture of admiration, where the six-foot-nine athlete shouted at the get to back up while towering over him.  Seconds later, LeBron was in a visibly better mood as he was dancing and greeting his friend and agent, Rich Paul, before entering the restaurant.

The video of the incident has gone viral across social media, where users have criticized James for his harsh treatment of the young fan. “Here is the real LeBron James. Look at him gesturing and belittling that little kid. This boy is a child who idolizes him, and he couldn’t give him a second of his time. Sickening!” one user named Sue Knows Best said, posting the clip with over a quarter of a million views.

One person in the comments section empathized with the young boy in the video, who appeared to learn a harsh lesson that idolizing heroes who are “jerks” can often lead to disappointment.  “The disappointment, letdowns and the realization that your heroes are jerks hits hard when you’re that young,” the user named Kool Kat wrote.

The American Tribune reported on further controversy surrounding LeBron James at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Many were outraged over the decision of the U.S. Olympic Committee to have him carry the American flag during a ceremony on opening night since LeBron has garnered a reputation for unpatriotic, critical statements toward the country.

For example, James has generated controversy for sitting and kneeling during the national anthem, seemingly disrespecting the pre-game ritual to commemorate the United States before play.  Furthermore, LeBron has also been called out for taking a sympathetic stance toward China, a growing basketball market that the industry has sought to capitalize on.

“I am disgusted and appalled. LeBron James has NO BUSINESS being selected as the Opening Ceremony Flag Bearer at the Olympics, he KNEELED for the National Anthem! I will be boycotting the opening ceremony,” conservative commentator Nick Adams said about the NBA veteran representing the U.S. by carrying the flag.

Watch LeBron’s behavior toward the young fan below:

https://x.com/sues86453/status/1822761508993991159?s=12

LeBron issued a statement about being chosen to carry the flag: “It’s an incredible honor to represent the United States on this global stage, especially in a moment that can bring the whole world together.  For a kid from Akron, this responsibility means everything to not only myself but to my family, all the kids in my hometown, my teammates, fellow Olympians, and so many people across the country with big aspirations. Sports have the power to bring us all together, and I’m proud to be a part of this important moment.”

Note:  The featured image is a screenshot from the embedded video.