The controversy began when Malakian posted content with the caption “Let’s Go Redskins,” referring to the former name of the Washington NFL team.
“So disappointing you stand by the name knowing the history / meaning behind that slur,” a fan commented on the post.
Malakian recently responded directly to the criticism with a dismissive tone.
“I like disappointing people like you,” he said.
Another fan suggested he was “just trying to be a troll all the time now,” Malakian defended his position.
“I’ve been a Redskins fan since I was 6yrs old,” he said. “I refuse to use the new name.”
The exchange has ignited debate among fans regarding the musician’s perspective on the controversial team name. This name was officially changed in 2020 due to its offensive nature toward Native Americans.
Redskins changed name in 2020
Malakian’s defense of the term comes years after the Washington NFL team retired the name following decades of protests and public debate. The team officially retired the “Redskins” name in 2020, prompted by heightened social justice movements and corporate pressure amid widespread calls to eliminate names deemed racist and derogatory toward Native Americans.
Following this, the team temporarily adopted the name “Washington Football Team” before announcing its permanent name, “Washington Commanders,” in 2022.
The term “Redskins” has been condemned as a racial slur against Native Americans for many years. It was used pejoratively by European settlers. It was later popularized in media and sports in ways that perpetuated dehumanizing stereotypes of Indigenous peoples. Native American groups and advocacy organizations have consistently called for the removal of the term from sports teams and mascots, citing its deeply offensive connotations and the continuation of harmful cultural stereotypes.
