The Philadelphia 76ers organization issued a public apology on Friday (Oct. 28) to R&B singer Sevyn Streeter over the controversy surrounding their last minute decision to bar her from performing the national anthem over the shirt she wore.
“We are sorry that this happened,” The Sixers voiced in a statement. “After receiving feedback from our players, basketball operations staff and ownership group, we believe that the wrong decision was made, and Sevyn should have been welcomed to sing. We apologize to her, and in an effort to move the conversation forward, we have reached out to offer her an opportunity to return and perform at a game of her choice. We are waiting to hear back.”
As previously reported, Streeter was scheduled to sing the Star Spangled Banner before the 76ers vs. OKC Thunder game, but the performance was axed because she wore a “We Matter” shirt, a testament to the Black Lives Matter movement.
Later in the night, she spoke with The Associated Press and explained the entire ordeal. “I’d say two minutes before we were about to walk out … the organization told me that I could not wear my shirt while singing the national anthem at their game,” the R&B singer said by phone. “I was never given any kind of dress code. I was never asked beforehand to show my wardrobe.”
In addition to Streeter, some of the Sixers’ players weren’t happy about the organization’s decision to can the performance.
We’re glad they’re working things out and pushing forward!
Founder and Creator of Singersroom.com and IncredibleWork.com. Follow me on Instagram at @gary.gentles.
