George Lopez Expresses Upset Over Alleged Dodgers Ban
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Renowned comedian George Lopez has spoken out against his alleged banning by the Los Angeles Dodgers on social media, describing the action as “hurtful”. The ban reportedly stems from Lopez’s public criticism of the Dodgers’ response to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Los Angeles.
The 64-year-old lifelong Dodgers fan has not shied away from expressing his discontent with the team’s silence on the controversial ICE raids, urging the Major League Baseball (MLB) team to show support for immigrants and the Latino community in the city.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at The Hollywood Reporter and Social Impact Fund’s 2025 Social Impact Summit, Lopez shared his feelings about the situation, stating that being blocked by the team on social media was hurtful for him personally.
On July 12, Lopez shared a video on Instagram where he can be seen dancing, accompanied by the words “POV: You just got blocked by the Dodgers”. In the caption, he highlighted the irony of the situation, pointing out that while the team took a stand against him, they remained silent on the historical displacement of families from the Chavez Ravine neighbourhood to make way for Dodger Stadium.
Chavez Ravine, once predominantly inhabited by Mexican-American residents and other minorities, was cleared in the 1950s to facilitate the construction of the stadium, despite initial plans for affordable housing on the land. This displacement casts a shadow on the team’s history and relationship with the communities they represent.
In his Instagram post, Lopez also drew attention to the lack of response from the team’s owners regarding the ongoing struggles faced by families affected by the ICE raids. He emphasised the disconnect he perceives between the Dodgers taking a stand against him while remaining silent on pressing social issues affecting their community.
When approached for comment, the Dodgers did not provide an immediate response to the allegations made by Lopez. However, the team did announce a $1 million pledge to support families impacted by recent events in the region, although they did not directly address the ICE raids in their statement.
The Dodgers’ President and CEO, Stan Kasten, acknowledged the calls for the team to play a more active role in supporting affected communities and affirmed their commitment to using resources and actions to uplift the Greater Los Angeles area.
Despite the lack of a public statement from the Dodgers regarding the alleged ban on Lopez, the comedian’s outspoken stance highlights the importance of professional sports teams engaging with social issues and standing up for marginalized communities.
In a time where sports and social activism intersect more than ever, George Lopez’s experience with the Dodgers underscores the complexities of navigating personal convictions within the realm of professional sports. As the conversation around social responsibility in sports continues to evolve, Lopez’s story serves as a reminder of the power dynamics at play between influential public figures and the organisations they critique.