Spike Lee's Pope‑Leo Knicks jersey draws criticism at NBA game

Film director Spike Lee attended a New York Knicks game wearing a custom Knicks jersey that bears Pope Leo XIV’s signature and the name “Pope Leo” on the back. Lee previously gave Pope Leo a Knicks jersey and wore a signed version during earlier playoff games, but switched to a blue‑orange shirt for Game 4 of the NBA Finals.

Lee said the pope supports the Knicks and described the jersey as a blessing. The game was also attended by U.S. President Donald Trump, whose presence led to long security lines. Lee, a longtime vocal critic of Trump, called the President “Agent Orange” and compared him to Hitler in past remarks, prompting observers to view the jersey as a direct jab at Trump.

Separately, Lee noted that Pope Leo was in Barcelona for a religious ceremony and that he had visited a Brazil training session before the World Cup, expressing support for the Brazilian team.