NBA icon Michael Jordan is facing a social media firestorm after viral video showed him touching a child inappropriately at the Daytona 500.
The incident happened after Jordan’s NASCAR team, 23XI Racing, celebrated its first Daytona 500 victory on Sunday, Feb. 15, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida.
A live network feed shows Jordan inappropriately grabbing a young boy’s buttocks and rubbing the back of his thigh.
The child reached back to stop Jordan from touching him inappropriately.
The boy was later identified as Beau Reddick, the 6-year-old son of winning driver Tyler Reddick.
With all the controversy surrounding the Epstein files, the video is not a good look for the NBA legend (Jordan is not named in the files).
The video is so disturbing that many viewers initially believed it was AI-generated.
Michael Jordan destroyed his legacy in 10 seconds. Unbelievable.
— Andy froemel (@FroemelAndy) February 16, 2026
The video below contains scenes that may be disturbing to some viewers.
@shanisabowden2 That was weird? #Daytona500 #MichaelJordan @ESPN @nascar @Barstool Sports @Michael Jordan ? Oh my god what is that – vezelite
Many observers say the boy looked “uncomfortable” when Jordan repeatedly touched his rear and rubbed his leg.
There are many guidelines online and in schools to help parents teach their children to say no to unwanted touching.
Fans say Jordan should never touch a child’s buttocks even in a playful way. They wondered how he would react if another man touched one of Jordan’s twin daughters that way.
Former Jordan fans took to social media to voice their concerns over the video and to protest the NBA Hall of Famer.
A former fan discarded his expensive pair of retro Air Jordan sneakers after Jordan’s video went viral.
Jordan, who celebrates his 63rd birthday today, has not publicly commented on the escalating controversy.
Man throws away his retro Jordans after the clip of Michael Jordan with the kid at the Daytona 500 went viral. ?
pic.twitter.com/aCNc9tGxJT— My Mixtapez (@mymixtapez) February 17, 2026
Throwing away retro Jordans because of a viral clip feels like letting a moment on social media dictate something personal (and expensive). Retro Jordans aren’t just shoes — they’re cultural history, fashion pieces, and for many people, collectibles.
— DOUBLE CJ (@ChukwukaCj4) February 17, 2026
Regardless of fame or legacy, any inappropriate contact with a minor must be taken seriously.
— Luminex_ (@cryptiq0) February 16, 2026
This is definitely inappropriate. ?????
— Derek Harris (@_CROWCREEKSIOUX) February 16, 2026
You can't be doing this. Just not on, even if you are a star. That child looked very uncomfortable.
— Mussarat Zia (@mussarat_zia) February 16, 2026
