Peloton Instructor Deletes Israel-Erasure Post as Company Plans Jewish Member Forum Amid Backlash
Adrian Williams says he is “listening closely and learning” after deleting the post, as StandWithUs urges Peloton to address instructor conduct and adopt the IHRA antisemitism definition.
Peloton instructor Adrian Williams on Thursday deleted an Instagram promotion that displayed an antizionist Palestinian restaurant’s menu map that erased Israel from existence. He also published a new post saying he was “listening closely and learning.”
“My last dining series post had an unintended, opposite effect, so I removed it,” Williams wrote, posting amid mounting criticism over the Israel-erasure image. “I’ve been quiet because I’ve been reflecting. To everyone who approached me in the spirit of love and education I am grateful. I am listening closely and learning. I promise to keep growing and to stand firmly against hatred, and I hope you will join me. Let’s communicate moving forward in the spirit of love.”
At the same time, leaders of the Jewish advocacy group StandWithUs sent a letter to Peloton CEO Peter Stern and Chief People Officer Dalana Brand asking the company to review instructors’ social-media conduct, publicly address complaints from Jewish and Israeli members, adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance Working Definition of Antisemitism, and provide antisemitism education and training.
