Michael Jordan is indeed facing significant online backlash following an incident during live television coverage of the 2026 Daytona 500 on February 15, 2026.
The controversy centers on a viral video clip from the post-race celebrations for 23XI Racing, the NASCAR team co-owned by Jordan.
Jordan was celebrating in Victory Lane after his driver, Tyler Reddick, won the Daytona 500. Reddick secured the win with a dramatic final-lap pass on Chase Elliott just yards from the finish line. The race set a record with 25 different leaders and featured 65 lead changes throughout the 200-lap event.
Cameras captured a brief moment where Jordan appeared to place his hand on or pinch the lower back/behind area of Tyler Reddick’s young son, Beau.
Michael Jordan is currently facing backlash after inappropriately touching a child during live television. pic.twitter.com/eItDujXXau
— Shadow of Ezra (@ShadowofEzra) February 16, 2026
The video went viral on social media platforms like X and Facebook. Some people called the gesture “inappropriate” and “upsetting.”
Many other viewers have defended Jordan, arguing the moment was a harmless, misinterpreted interaction during a high-energy celebration. Some interpreted the gesture as Jordan playfully “aggravating” the child or as an attempt to adjust his clothing.
As of February 16, 2026, there have been no official statements or investigations launched by NASCAR, 23XI Racing, or the families involved. Most mainstream sports reports have focused on the historic nature of the win, while the “backlash” remains primarily a viral social media phenomenon.
NBA Fans slam Michael Jordan for his pedophilic gesture
Fans are reacting strongly to an event involving Michael Jordan. They think the basketball star might have accidentally shown some inappropriate behavior.
One fan said, “Sick Pedo… shine the light on him and make him famous for his sick ways!!”
A second fan remarked, “Normalize calling out pedos PERIOD! Inappropriate is inappropriate. Disgusting sickos. Save the children!!”
A third fan pointed out, “I’m sick and tired of these people!!! Pedo everywhere.”
A fourth fan angrily said, “Pedo’s can’t refrain themselves SICK AND TWISTED!!!”
A fifth fan added, “You don’t grab a kids ass to hype them up!”
Many fans reacted strongly against Michael Jordan recently, showing how fast people’s opinions can change. Even someone very famous can face criticism after a moment that people may misunderstand or find worrying, especially when it spreads online.
