The Orlando Magic's home arena, the Kia Center, is under fire after hosting an MMA event where a fighter made antisemitic slurs and Nazi saluts, and a fan displayed a swastika flag. The incident occurred on Saturday during the Duel: Arena 1 combat sports event, drawing immediate condemnation from the City of Orlando, which owns the venue. This controversy emerges as the Magic look to refocus on the court after a tough stretch, including a 116-94 loss to the Detroit Pistons on May 3, 2026.

What happened at the Kia Center?

Kickboxer Paul Miller, who calls himself Gypsy Crusader, faced Jewish fighter Ben 'King' Azoulay. After the bout, Miller used a microphone to launch into an offensive tirade against his opponent, using a vile antisemitic slur heard throughout the arena. Moments later, he reportedly made a Nazi salute twice while leaving the ring.

Video also captured a fan in the crowd unfurling a flag bearing a swastika. The City of Orlando and Orlando Venues, which manages the Kia Center, issued a strong statement rejecting the hateful messaging. They said the views expressed belong solely to the individuals and do not reflect the values of the venue or the city.

Why does this matter for the Orlando Magic?

While a basketball franchise doesn't control every event in its building, its home court's reputation is directly linked to the team's brand. The Magic organization strives to build a positive, inclusive community around its NBA product. Incidents like this create a major public relations challenge and can alienate fans.

Head coach Jamahl Mosley and players like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner have worked to cultivate a strong team culture. Off-court distractions can impact focus, though the team's immediate concern is its recent form: two wins and three losses in its last five games, with a three-game losing streak snapped by those two recent victories. You can track their progress on our [standings](/standings) page.

What was the official response?

Orlando Venues spokesperson provided a detailed statement to the Daily Mail. "Orlando Venues and the City of Orlando unequivocally condemn all forms of hate speech, discrimination, antisemitism, racism and any message that encourages hatred or violence against any person or group," the statement read.

The city noted it is bound by First Amendment rights but stressed that legal reality "does not soften our condemnation of what occurred." They pledged to review event policies to ensure safety and inclusivity while respecting constitutional rights. It remains unclear how the swastika flag passed security.

Orlando City Mayor Buddy Dyer also condemned the gestures on social media. "Symbols of hate, including the Nazi flag, were brought to Kia Center this weekend," Dyer wrote. "But hate will never be welcome here." State Rep. Anna Eskamani also voiced criticism of the incident.

What comes next for the venue and the team?

The Kia Center and city officials face scrutiny over their security protocols and event vetting process. They have committed to a policy review. For the Orlando Magic, the focus must quickly return to basketball and upholding the community values they promote.

The team's performance has been inconsistent, with a 2W-3L record in its last five outings following that loss to the Pistons. Building momentum before the playoffs requires a stable environment, both on the hardwood and in the stands. Fans can check upcoming games on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page.

Paul Miller, the fighter at the center of the controversy, told Fox 35 he saw no issue with his actions. The event promoter, Duel: Arena, did not immediately respond to requests for comment from the Daily Mail. The Magic organization itself has not issued a separate statement beyond the venue's remarks.