Lebron James allegedly blasts Trump with ‘Turkish proverb’ that does not exist

LeBron James, one of the most famous basketball players in the world, recently shared a cryptic message on his Instagram with over 159 million followers. The post featured the quote: “When a clown moves into a palace, he doesn’t become a king. The palace becomes a circus.”

Along with the statement, LeBron James tagged a “Turkish Proverb”—a phrase that has sparked significant debate online. Many believe James’ message was aimed at U.S. President Donald Trump, given the political context at the time.

Was the proverb truly of Turkish origin, or is it a case of mistaken attribution?

Origins of ‘clown in a palace’ saying

Contrary to popular belief, this proverb is not a traditional Turkish saying. The origins of the phrase appear to be rooted in Circassian culture, where the saying was originally: “When an ox moves into a palace, he doesn’t become a king, but the palace becomes a barn.”

This proverb has been mistakenly linked to Turkish culture in recent years, due to its frequent use in Turkish social media.

Controversial tweet that set the record straight

The proverb gained widespread attention when Turkish journalist Sedef Kabas tweeted a variation of it in January 2022.

Her tweet sparked outrage, leading to her arrest for allegedly insulting the Turkish president. However, the controversy around the tweet also led to a fascinating shift in the proverb’s trajectory, particularly in the United Kingdom.

From ox to clown: How the saying transformed

Soon after the controversy surrounding Kabas’ tweet, the proverb began to make its way through British political discourse. In the hands of critics of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, it was adapted to: “When a clown moves into a palace, he doesn’t become a king. The palace becomes a circus.”

This modern reworking of the proverb gained traction online, with many attributing it as an “old Turkish proverb,” a misattribution that would continue to spread globally.

Why this misattribution matters

Though the phrase is catchy and insightful, its incorrect attribution has sparked conversations about how proverbs evolve and gain global recognition. Despite its false origins, the phrase quickly became a meme, with social media users and public figures across the world sharing it as a reflection of political and social chaos. Some even went so far as to sell merchandise featuring the phrase, marking its transformation into a global symbol.

The proverb’s new form has transcended its original meaning and has been used to describe various political figures and leaders worldwide. Whether or not it is an “old Turkish proverb,” its ability to capture the essence of political mismanagement has given it a lasting impact on modern culture.