EXCLUSIVE: A Swiss television network has taken down from its website a viral Winter Olympics clip in which a commentator calls out an Israeli athlete for his “support of the genocide in Gaza.”
In correspondence with Deadline, a Radio Télévision Suisse (RTS) spokesperson verified the footage — which has been viewed millions of times on social media — and said it had been removed because it was not “appropriate” for a sports broadcast.
The clip features commentator Stefan Renna making remarks about A.J. Edelman, who has dual American and Israeli citizenship. Edelman was competing in the two-man bobsled heats in Milan-Cortina, finishing in last place among 26 teams.
During one of the heats, Renna listed some of Edelman’s comments and actions relating to the war in Gaza. The commentator quoted Edelman as having said that the conflict was the “most morally just” war in history, and alleged that he mocked a Free Palestine demonstration.
“Edelman, a first-time Olympian and self-defined ‘Zionist to the core,’ who has posted several messages on social media in support of the genocide in Gaza,” Renna said in seemingly pre-prepared remarks that lasted for the entire Israel bobsled run. Israel disputes allegations of genocide.
Renna contrasted Edelman’s ability to participate in the Winter Olympics with the International Olympic Committee’s treatment of Vladyslav Heraskevych, the Ukrainian skeleton racer who was banned after wearing a helmet honoring athletes who died in the war with Russia. “This just goes to show that sport is obviously eminently political,” Renna said.
An RTS spokesperson said: “Our journalist wanted to question the IOC’s policy regarding the athlete’s statements. However, such information, while factual, is inappropriate for sports commentary due to its length. Therefore, we removed the segment from our website last night.”
Edelman responded to the RTS clip on X/Twitter. He did not dispute any of the claims made in the commentary, but described it as a “diatribe.”
He continued: “I can’t help but notice the contrast: Shul Runnings is a team of 6 proud Israelis who’ve made it to the Olympic stage. No coach with us. No big program. Just a dream, grit, and unyielding pride in who we represent.
“Working together towards an incredible goal and crushing it. Because that’s what Israelis do. I don’t think it’s possible to witness that and give any credence to the commentary.”
Edelman also reposted a comment from Mike Huckabee, the White House’s Ambassador to Israel. Huckabee said the RTS broadcast was evidence of “Jew-hating,” saying the commentator “spewed bigotry and bile” as the Israeli team competed.
Massachusetts-born Edelman told The Jewish Chronicle earlier this month that the bobsled team has faced hostility from rivals, with one fellow competitor calling them “baby killers.” Edelman, an Orthodox Jew, said he pities people who live with hatred, saying: “Who has the energy to hate strangers all day?”
