Bryson DeChambeau's recent remarks about finding "forgiveness" in the wake of the 9/11 attacks have drawn sharp criticism from Terry Strada, chairperson of 9/11 Families United. DeChambeau's comments came during a CNN interview discussing the controversial merger between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf, funded by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF).
DeChambeau, the 2020 U.S. Open champion, expressed sympathy for the families affected by 9/11 but emphasized the need to "move forward" and find a "pathway to peace" and "forgiveness." He linked this concept to the goals of LIV Golf and the PIF, suggesting they are striving for "a better world for everybody."
Strada, whose husband was killed in the attacks, strongly condemned DeChambeau's statements. She questioned whether he was ignorant of Saudi Arabia's alleged connection to 9/11, suggesting he was either "purposefully ignorant" or simply echoing the narrative of his Saudi sponsors. Strada highlighted the ongoing struggle for transparency and accountability from the Saudi government, emphasizing the profound pain and loss experienced by the victims' families. She vowed to continue fighting for justice and rejected the notion that families should simply "forget."
The controversial merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf has ignited further tensions, with Strada accusing PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan of hypocrisy for previously using the 9/11 families' stories to criticize LIV Golf, only to now embrace a partnership with the Saudi-backed organization. Strada's comments underscore the deep emotional wounds and ongoing controversy surrounding the merger and its implications for the families of 9/11 victims.
