KJ Apa tells Israel Folau to sit down after homophobic Instagram comment
The Riverdale star asks the rugby player if he is perfect
By Steve Brown
KJ Apa has told Israel Folau to “sit down” after the sportsman made a homophobic comment on Instagram.
The highest paid Australian rugby player caused uproar after replying to “God’s plan for gay people?” on the photosharing app with “HELL… Unless they repent of their sins and turn to God” last week.
And now Apa – who is best known for his role in Riverdale – screenshotted his comments and posted it onto his Instagram Story telling the rugby player how the role of Christians is love not judge.
He wrote: “@izzyfolau very disappointing comments.
“Our role as Christians is to LOVE not Judge. What gives you the right to condemn?
“Are you perfect? Sit down. [sic]”
This week, Folau was allowed to “think about” his social media and despite meeting with rugby bosses, no action was taken against the devout Christian and Rugby Australia’s chief executive Raelene Castle said the two party’s had open and honest talks.
She told reporters in Sydney: “Israel has gone away to think about (his social media use), because for him he is proud of what he is and what he stands for, so he wants to make sure that we are not asking him to compromise those beliefs.
“But at the same time very much we explained to him that this is challenging for us and… how can he find a way that makes sure that he is not disrespectful, but it doesn’t compromise his own personal beliefs.”
Castle has said that Folau has “acknowledged” that he could have put a positive spin on his comments.
She said: “Israel has acknowledged that maybe he could have put a positive spin on that same message and done it… in a more respectful way.”
But Castle also admitted Rugby Australia wanted him to remain in the sport and called him a “great player” who “has been a really strong role model in the Pacific community.”