Champion Motorsports Executive Steps Down After Antisemitic Text Message

BOCA RATON – A South Florida luxury car dealership is facing intense backlash after one of its top executives allegedly sent an antisemitic slur to a potential customer in a text message. Naveen Maraj, co-owner of Champion Motorsports in Pompano Beach, has reportedly stepped down from his managerial and operational duties following the incident.

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The controversy erupted after Boca Raton resident John Wolff received a message from Maraj referring to him as a “Jew cu-t.” The slur, sent via text and later made public by BocaNewsNow.com, sparked outrage in the local community and beyond.

Champion’s General Manager Mike Peters released a statement Friday night attempting to contextualize the message as a product of what he described as a long-standing personal friendship between Maraj and Wolff. However, Wolff has firmly disputed that claim, telling reporters that the two hadn’t communicated in over six years.

“To suggest that we had the sort of relationship where it’s okay to call me something like that is absurd,” Wolff said.

In the company’s statement, Peters acknowledged the offensive nature of the language used and said Maraj would no longer be involved in daily operations or management decisions at Champion.

“Intent does not negate impact,” the statement read. “The language used was inappropriate and does not reflect the standards of conduct or mutual respect that has been a part of the Champion culture for over 38 years.”

Despite the resignation announcement, state records reviewed by BocaNewsNow.com show Maraj remains listed as an officer of the company.

The incident is now under review by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), which monitors and responds to cases of antisemitism nationwide.

Meanwhile, Braman Porsche in West Palm Beach—owned by Norman Braman, whose family are Jewish immigrants from Europe—has been highlighted as an alternative by local Jewish community leaders. Braman’s dealership has longstanding ties with Jewish organizations across South Florida.

The fallout serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of hate speech, particularly in professional environments. It also raises questions about ownership accountability and the distinction between personal conduct and corporate culture.

As the community awaits further developments, Champion Motorsports may face ongoing scrutiny not only for the slur itself but for how it chooses to respond in the days ahead.