A professional mixed martial arts event in Orlando, Florida, has drawn condemnation after a fighter reportedly derided his opponent with an antisemitic slur and a spectator was ejected for waving a swastika flag.
Paul Miller, a self-professed antisemite, assailed his opponent, Ben Azoulay, over the arena's loudspeaker system following their headline fight on Saturday. Miller also appeared to give at least two Nazi salutes from the ring.
Anna Eskamani, a Democratic state representative, called the event and the city's assertion that they were compelled to host it "unacceptable". Orlando Venues, which operates the Kia Center, stated it was bound by the First Amendment and could not deny access based on political ideology, but added it would review event policies "while respecting the Constitution".
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said the city rejected the messaging of the fighters, stating, "Symbols of hate, including the Nazi flag, were brought to Kia Center this weekend. But hate will never be welcome here." Kia America, the naming rights partner, also condemned the incident, noting it was not involved in operations or security protocols but appreciated the venue's prompt action.