The relationship between LIV Golf and Saudi Arabia was already controversial given the nation’s ties to terrorism, the murder of a Washington Post journalist, and human rights violations. Now that controversy extends to all professional golf after a merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, leaving golf star Bryson DeChambeau to address it during a recent interview.
On Tuesday night, Bryson DeChambeau appeared on CNN to discuss the merger between the two golf leagues. During the interview, the golf star was asked about his thoughts on the human rights violations committed by the country, as well as the nation’s involvement in the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi. His response was not great.
“I mean, look. It’s unfortunate what has happened and that’s something I cannot necessarily speak on – I’m a golfer,” DeChambeau said with a laugh. “But what I can say is that what they’re trying to do, what they’re trying to work on, is to be better allies. Because we are allies with them.”
Bryson DeChambeau, an early recruit to the Saudi-backed LIV tour, on the PGA merger shocker and criticism from the families of 9/11 victims: pic.twitter.com/i1R6AWjw1Z
— Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) June 7, 2023
“Look, I’m not going to get into the politics of it – I’m not specialized in that,” DeChambeau continued. “But what I can say is they’re trying to do good for the world and showcase themselves in a light that hasn’t been seen in a while. Nobody’s perfect but we’re all trying to improve in life.”
Earlier in the interview, DeChambeau also suggested it was time for Americans to “move forward” toward “peace and forgiveness” after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
It was quite a wild response to a question about allegations of state-sanctioned murder and terrorism, and DeChambeau was absolutely blasted for it on social media.
Bryson DeChambeau on cable news, chugging an energy drink, saying it’s time for Americans to “move forward” and “forgive” Saudi involvement in 9/11. pic.twitter.com/4U51W0LVMY
— Denny Carter (@CDCarter13) June 7, 2023
Collins asks him about the murder of Jamal Khashoggi at the end.
"They're trying to do good for the world and showcase themselves in a light that hasn't been seen in a while. Nobody's perfect but we're all trying to improve in life." https://t.co/ZpuCOe54yl
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) June 7, 2023
.@kaitlancollins: The Saudis are accused of financing terrorism, killing Khashoggi, does that make you uncomfortable? @b_dechambeau: "Nobody's perfect" https://t.co/rxaYcYuhXF
— Jordan Fabian (@Jordanfabian) June 7, 2023
This dude said of 9/11:
“I think as time as gone on, 20 years has passed now and we’re in a place where it’s time to start trying to make things better together, as a whole” https://t.co/1DcbsJuZtZ
— Igor Bobic (@igorbobic) June 7, 2023
He said he doesn't want another 9/11 to happen, which you always love to hear yourself say in a live TV interview https://t.co/6iRRvRYZG6
— CJ Ciaramella (@cjciaramella) June 7, 2023
Dude is asked about taking money from the people who murdered Jamal Khashoggi and drops a verbatim “nobody’s perfect” in response. Folks. pic.twitter.com/euXaKL8Rkz
— Rafi Schwartz (@TheJewishDream) June 7, 2023
It’s safe to say that interview didn’t go well for DeChambeau.
