Social media influencer Adin Ross has defended NFL football star Sauce Gardner over controversial comments about Jews, saying the New York Jets defender “said Jews run the world in a good way”.

During a live-streamed conversation, Ross, who is Jewish, had told Gardner he had bought a Tesla CyberTruck from a Jewish man. In an off-the-cuff response, Gardner said: "You all run the world."

Following uproar on social media, Gardner wrote: “I love all people. While my intentions were positive, I just learned that people use those exact words I shared for hate towards Jewish people. That is not what I am about and I appreciate those who took the time to educate me on that fact."

Ross wrote in a reply to Gardner: "Bro I’m Jewish. You did and said nothing wrong you said Jews run the world in a good way which is true, I said you were fine so ima defend you. Don’t give in, f*** these fake woke ppl."

The star defensive player is entering his third season in New York. He was an All-Pro and Pro Bowler in his first two years with the Jets.

In a clip from the stream that went viral, Ross can first be heard saying that he had been sold an item by a Jew because he was Jewish.

“Imma be honest, like no funny weird s**t,” Gardner then tells him. “Y'all run the world.”

After drawing laughter in the room, the NFL star adds: “They got so much motion throughout the whole world. Y'all gotta see how they be walking in the airport.”

The comment provoked a backlash on social media. “I no longer like Sauce Gardner,” wrote one user on X.

Another posted: “Sauce Gardner plays for NY jets brothaaaaa don’t be saying that s**t”.