A viral interaction involving NBA legend Michael Jordan and a minor at the Daytona 500 has drawn criticism, with many terming it inappropriate.
A clip circulating on X captures Jordan tugging the shirt of Beau Reddick, son of NASCAR driver Tyler Reddick, and briefly touching him during celebrations.
The footage, captured amid post-race festivities, sparked debate online over boundaries during public celebrations involving children.
As of now, there has been no indication of any complaint from the family.
According to the Daily Mail, Jordan was celebrating after one of his drivers clinched victory in NASCAR’s biggest race.
Reddick survived a chaotic final lap to secure the win. Jordan co-owns 23XI Racing and was at the centre of celebrations as the team secured its first Daytona 500 triumph. The exact timing of the clip remains unclear.
“I can’t even believe it. It was so gratifying. We had four guys that were really fighting, that were helping each other out. You never know how these races are going to end, right? You just try to survive. We hung in there all day. Great strategy by the team, and we gave ourselves a chance at the end,” Jordan told Fox.
Driving for the team co-owned by Jordan and three-time NASCAR champion Denny Hamlin, Reddick led only one lap on Sunday, the final lap to the chequered flag.
“Just incredible how it all played out. Just true Daytona madness. I’ve already lost my voice from screaming. Never thought I’d be Daytona 500 champion,” Reddick said.
Jordan added, “Look, I’m ecstatic. I don’t even know what to say. It feels like I won a championship.”
Online reactions were mixed.
Some users described the moment as inappropriate, while others defended it as playful conduct during an emotional celebration held in a public, televised setting.
As of now, neither Reddick nor his family has publicly raised concerns over the incident.