Cavs Apologize After Showing In-Arena Video Depicting Domestic Violence

The Cleveland Cavaliers released an apology on Thursday afternoon after showing a comedy video that featured an act of domestic violence inside Quicken Loans Arena during Game 2 of the Cavs second-round series with the Chicago Bulls.

Several writers, including Bleacher Report’s Ethan J. Skolnik described the video in tweets on Wednesday evening after viewing the spoof live. Fox Sports Ohio’s Allie Clifton pointed out the skit appeared to be a parody of United Healthcare video that played off a scene from the film “Dirty Dancing.”.

@EthanJSkolnick I was surprised more people weren’t offended by it. Came off very unaware to me.

— Nubyjas Wilborn (@nwilborn19) May 7, 2015

@EthanJSkolnick he slams her, she’s wearing an ice pack & she was to one to apologize while changing her behavior. Awful message.

— Nubyjas Wilborn (@nwilborn19) May 7, 2015

@EthanJSkolnick I think it was a parody of this commercial… http://t.co/xpeDwj2pAW

— Allie Clifton (@FSOAllieOop) May 7, 2015

The video was posted Thursday morning to the Cavs’ Vimeo site, but was promptly taken down hours later. However, several individuals uploaded the full video to YouTube later in the day.

Here is the full statement released by the team:

During a timeout at last night’s Cavaliers vs. Bulls playoff game at The Q in Cleveland, we ran a 1-minute in-arena video that was intended to be a humorous spoof on a popular commercial centered on a song and dance from the classic movie ‘Dirty Dancing.’ While the video was not intended to be offensive, it was a mistake to include content that made light of domestic violence. Domestic violence is a very serious matter and has no place in a parody video that plays in an entertainment venue. We sincerely apologize to those who have been affected by domestic violence for the obvious negative feelings caused by being exposed to this insensitive video. The Cavaliers organization has a strong and lengthy track record of supporting domestic violence-related causes and efforts. We will continue to proudly work with our regional partners at the Domestic Violence & Child Advocacy Center in support of their numerous programs to end domestic violence in our country once and for all.