Source: Maarten de Boer / Getty
Sevyn Streeter was scheduled to perform the national anthem at the 76ers’ home opener on Wednesday night, but moments before she was set to go on team management told her she was not allowed to sing.
via NY Daily News:
The artist claims that 76ers brass refused to let her step out onto the court at the Wells Fargo Center because she was wearing a shirt with the words “We Matter” on it.
“I was suppose to sing the national anthem at the @sixers and @okcthunder game in #Philly but minutes before @sixers organization said I could not because I was wearing a “We Matters” jersey. WTF!” the singer posted on her Twitter and Facebook accounts.
The 76ers said in a statement, “As we move from symbolic gestures to action, we will continue to leverage our platform to positively impact our community.”
“The Philadelphia 76ers organization encourages meaningful actions to drive social change,” the statement continued. “We use our games to bring people together, to build trust and to strengthen our communities.”
Streeter told the Associated Press she was never given “any kind of dress code.”
“I was angry, extremely, extremely angry and disappointed and honestly brought to tears by all of it. It broke my heart,” she added. “Honestly, I was very excited about being able to perform the national anthem. I was really looking forward to that.”
A 76ers dancer filled in at the last minute to perform the anthem in Sevyn’s place. Watch Sevyn’s video below.
The 76ers issued a formal apology on Friday to Sevyn Streeter, after she was removed from performing the national anthem before Wednesday’s season opener because she wore a “We Matter” jersey-style shirt.
“We are sorry that this happened,” the statement said. “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.”
76ers Refuse to Let Sevyn Streeter Wear ‘We Matter’ Jersey to Sing the National Anthem [Video] was originally published on zhiphopcleveland.com
