Islamophobic videos: Blue Jays disavow Anthony Santander

The Toronto Blue Jays baseball club distanced itself on Thursday, November 5, from its player Anthony Santander after sharing two Islamophobic videos in his Instagram story.

The first video listed Muslims elected to political office in the United States, including Abdul El-Sayed, elected senator from Michigan. She presented their arrival as a threat, saying that all “good Muslims” wanted to replace American laws with Sharia law.

The second showed a Christian pastor declaring that there were no “benevolent Muslims.” Comments aimed at all Muslim faithful, without distinction. Originally from Venezuela, Anthony Santander made his name with the Baltimore Orioles before joining Toronto. The Blue Jays signed him after the 2024 season with a five-year, $92.5 million contract.

Interviewed by CTV News Toronto, the Blue Jays recalled that baseball was open to everyone and that every fan should feel welcome in their stadium. The club clarified that these comments did not reflect its values. Both videos have since been removed from the player’s story. No sanctions are mentioned in the information reported. In Toronto, Muslims made up almost 10% of the population according to the 2021 census.