The offensive remark, although not loudly spoken, was picked up on the live telecast of the game by NESN. Amidst the disappointing 10-2 loss for the Red Sox, Duran's action has drawn attention and warranted swift action.

Video footage from the telecast revealed that during the bottom of the sixth inning, while at-bat and after a swing and miss, Duran reacted to persistent taunts from a fan. The heckler repeatedly mocked Duran's batting skills, suggesting that he would require a tennis racket to make contact with the baseball. In response, Duran turned towards the fan and was heard uttering the homophobic slur before resuming his position for the next pitch.

Expressing remorse, the 2024 All-Star issued a statement regarding the incident, categorizing the slur as a "truly horrific word." Duran emphasized feeling genuinely sorry for offending and disappointing so many individuals, acknowledging the Red Sox organization and, more significantly, the entire LGBTQ community. Recognizing his role as a potential role model for young fans, Duran expressed disappointment in falling short of fulfilling that responsibility.

The Red Sox organization swiftly responded to the incident, aligning themselves with Duran's apology and extending their own apology, primarily to the LGBTQ community. In their statement, the team emphasized their commitment to promoting inclusivity and stated that they took immediate action following the conclusion of the game. The Red Sox reiterated their dedication to educating their employees, players, coaches, and staff on the importance of inclusivity, reinforcing their aspiration to create an environment where all fans feel welcomed at Fenway Park.

The potential consequences for Duran in the form of discipline from Major League Baseball remain uncertain. Past incidents similar to this have typically resulted in mandated sensitivity and diversity education, along with possible game suspensions. The league may address the matter in due course, taking into account the severity of the incident and previous responses to similar situations.

Instances like this serve as reminders of the importance of fostering an inclusive and respectful environment in sports. The Red Sox organization's proactive response reaffirms their commitment to learning from incidents such as this and working towards creating an atmosphere that embraces diversity. Fans, players, and officials alike hope that this incident will serve as a catalyst for continued growth and understanding within the baseball community.