The three chilling words “Send Da Video Anthony Edwards” rocketed Anthony Edwards to internet infamy essentially overnight. In just days, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ budding superstar devolved from basketball’s man of the future into nothing more than a callous punchline. Leaked direct messages exposed Edwards demanding a woman confirm terminating her pregnancy with him by filming herself taking abortion pills. His relentless requests for her to “Send da video” conveyed an abhorrent trivialization of reproductive coercion and female autonomy at the hands of entitled males. The exact insensitive phrasing lent itself perfectly to amplification and condemnation across social media, encapsulating issues bubbling at society’s surface regarding gender and power imbalance. Edwards soon morphed into fodder for viral vilification and memeification, forever linked to the flippant yet sinister instructions from that toxic text exchange. For all his towering athletic talent, his NBA destiny will forever linger underneath the ominous viral cloud of those three damning words – “Send da video.” Following gokeylessvn.com !
I. The “Send Da Video” Controversy Surrounding Anthony Edwards
On December 17th, 2023, a series of leaked text messages between Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Anthony Edwards and an unnamed woman sparked outrage on social media. The texts showed Edwards pressuring the woman, allegedly an Instagram model he had gotten pregnant, to get an abortion.In the messages, Edwards insists “can’t do dis” and tells the woman “get a abortion lol.” When she asks for money to do so, he replies “Send da video” – demanding she send him video proof that she has taken abortion pills before he will pay her.The texts went viral after being shared on Twitter, with the “Send da video” phrase drawing particular criticism. Within hours, Edwards‘ messages had been shared thousands of times, with many mocking his behavior.
While scandals involving famous athletes are unfortunately common, Anthony Edwards’ messages touch on complex issues like reproductive rights and the dynamics of power and consent.As a 22-year-old NBA star who just signed a 5-year, $181 million contract extension, Edwards wields financial influence over the unnamed woman. His callous language about her pregnancy and abortion, coupled with trying to leverage money for video “proof,” raises serious ethical questions.Discussing this incident provides an opportunity to reflect on issues like accountability for public figures and the judgement we pass on them. It also sparks debate around topics like abortion access and the policing of women‘s bodies.Unpacking controversies like this leads to healthy discourse as a society. Even as we condemn Edwards’ behavior, we must also examine the culture and social norms that enable such actions.
II. Who is Anthony Edwards?
Anthony Edwards Jr. is a 21-year-old American professional basketball player. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Edwards played one year of college basketball for the Georgia Bulldogs before being drafted 1st overall in the 2020 NBA draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves.In his young career, Edwards has already emerged as one of the NBA’s brightest rising stars, living up to his number 1 draft billing. In his sophomore 2022-2023 season, he averaged 24.7 points, 6 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game while being named an NBA All-Star for the first time.Edwards is noted for his athleticism and scoring ability, capable of acrobatic dunks and scoring outbursts. He signed a 5-year maximum contract extension in October 2023 worth up to $181 million.
Prior to the leaked text messages, Anthony Edwards enjoyed a mostly positive public image. Media narratives tended to focus on his playful charisma and lighthearted interview soundbites, such as Edwards coining his nickname “Ant Man.”He was also praised for his poise and self-assuredness in the NBA at a young age. Edwards seemed mature beyond his years – a humble, likeable star carrying a small-market Minnesota franchise.Of course, much of that persona has now been put in question. It turns out Edwards may have been projecting an image that enabled more dubious behavior in his personal life.The leaked texts drastically reshape public perception of Edwards. No longer is he the fun-loving, innocent rising star – he abused his fame and power for unethical purposes instead.
III. The Viral Message: Unpacking the “Send Da Video” Scandal
According to the Instagram user who leaked the messages, identified only by the handle @dreampaige, she and Edwards met on Instagram around early December 2023. After having sex, the woman found herself pregnant, alerting Edwards over text message.As evidenced by the now viral screenshots, Edwards responded harshly. “Hell nawl can‘t do dis,” he wrote, before insisting “get a abortion lol.” When the woman asked for money to do so, Edwards replied “Send da video,” demanding video proof of her taking abortion pills before he would pay her.The texts also show Edwards offering $100,000 if the woman followed through on the abortion. She eventually did – providing a screenshot of Edwards wiring the money, along with video of her taking pills.
While the entire text exchange was concerning, Edwards’ repeated demands for the woman to “Send da video” truly struck a nerve. Many deemed this an unacceptable invasion of her privacy and attempt to control her health decisions.Online debate dissected the myriad ways Edwards abused his power and influence for unscrupulous purposes. He leveraged his wealth to pressure her into an unwanted medical procedure, then extorted video proof before paying her.The viral infamy of “Send da video” encapsulated the public’s shock at Edwards’ manipulation and objectification of the pregnant woman. It became a shorthand for commentary about violations of consent and autonomy.Memes using the phrase humorously condemned Edwards, but also pointed to larger cultural issues around policing female bodies and reproductive rights.
IV. Anthony Edwards’ Public Response to the “Send Da Video” Outcry
On December 18th, 2023, Anthony Edwards issued a statement in response to the leaked texts on his Twitter account. Edwards wrote:“I made comments in the heat of a moment that are not me, and that are not aligned with what I believe and who I want to be as a man. All women should be supported and empowered to make their own decisions about their bodies and what is best for them. I am handling my personal matters privately and will not be commenting on them any further at this time.”Many felt his apology seemed inadequate given the severity of the situation. Some analysts critiqued the wording as a PR-crafted statement rather than an authentic reflection. It remained unclear whether Edwards grasped the full implications of his actions or simply sought to save face.
Based on social media responses, the public largely condemned Edwards’ apology as insufficient. Many users called out the statement as vague and passive, full of generic PR platitudes about “personal growth” that sidestepped responsibility.Critics highlighted how Edwards failed to acknowledge core issues like consent, reproductive coercion, and exploiting socioeconomic power dynamics. Rather than expressing empathy for the pregnant woman he mistreated, Edwards centered himself in the apology.While some fans defended Edwards’ right to privacy, most agreed that more accountability was required for abusing his privilege and influence as a star athlete. Many noted Edwards had inverted the power dynamic by demanding sensitive information and compliance from a less powerful woman dependent on his financial support.Overall, public opinion seemed to be that Edwards’ apology was merely superficial damage control, not a sincere admission and critique of his misogynistic behavior. Until that happens, skepticism regarding his personal growth will remain.