Hayes-Davies’ message: ‘I didn’t mean to disrespect Turkey – I’m just a tourist’

THE Nigel Hayes-Davies he tried to … pick it up after his post about the Armenian Genocide angered the Turks, stressing that he didn’t mean to offend anyone and is just trying to learn as much as he can.

“I hear you, but I just went to see the museum. I don’t know enough to start preaching. You already told me that I play basketball in Turkeyso I’m not going to say anything disrespectful. I just am a tourist with a cameraman. I try to learn as much as I can and be impartial”was his first message in a post, while a more extensive one followed, and indeed in the Turkish language:

“After my post, I found that the issue I shared about Armenia and Turkey it was very sensitive. As much as I try to learn, I don’t know everything. Out of appreciation and respect for what Turkey has offered me, personally and professionally, I would like to state that I did not intend to cause any intentional or implied disrespect to Turkeyits history or its citizens.

Those who know me personally and have spoken to me about this matter, know that what I say is sincere. I’m not Turkso I didn’t understand the gravity this topic carries for those who are Turks. Hope this clears up any misunderstandings or misinterpretations about my words, actions and above all my character. I would like to inform those who were hurt by this situation that this was not my intention.”