Key facts
- A mixed martial arts event in Orlando, Florida, has been condemned for antisemitic remarks made by a fighter and a spectator displaying a swastika flag.
- Fighter Paul Miller, who has a history of extremist views and a weapons offense conviction, used antisemitic slurs and Nazi salutes.
- Orlando Venues, the city's government division managing the arena, stated it was compelled to host the event due to First Amendment protections.
- Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Kia America condemned the hateful symbols and behavior displayed at the event.
- Democratic state representative Anna Eskamani criticized the event and called for a review of venue policies regarding hate speech.
A professional mixed martial arts event held in Orlando, Florida, has sparked outrage and condemnation following antisemitic comments made by a fighter and the presence of a spectator displaying a swastika flag. The incident at the Kia Center has led to calls for stricter venue policies and a re-evaluation of free speech protections in public spaces.
Democratic state representative Anna Eskamani criticized the event, stating that "extremism is prevalent in our society" and emphasizing the responsibility to combat hate. She questioned the city's assertion that it was compelled to host the event, suggesting that conduct inciting violence should be subject to greater scrutiny.
The headline fight featured Paul Miller, who has a history of far-right extremism and a felony conviction for weapons offenses, against Ben Azoulay, a Jewish influencer with a past conviction for sexual assault. After the fight, Miller reportedly used antisemitic slurs and made Nazi salutes over the arena's loudspeaker.
Orlando Venues, the city's government division responsible for the arena, released a statement defending its decision to host the event, citing First Amendment protections that prevent denial of access based on political ideology. The statement emphasized that the participants' views do not reflect those of the city or its staff, but acknowledged a review of event policies while respecting the Constitution.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer reiterated the city's rejection of hate symbols, stating that "hate will never be welcome here." Kia America, the venue's naming rights partner, also condemned the behavior, clarifying its non-involvement in operations but appreciation for the venue's actions.
Florida Senator Rick Scott described the events as "extremely disturbing" and stated that "Antisemitism has no place in Florida." Miller, known as the "gypsy crusader," has previously called for a race-based civil war. Azoulay also has a controversial past, including an incident where a California school district apologized for allowing him to address a student club.