The Philadelphia 76ers have issued an official apology to Sevyn Streeter, after the singer was prevented from singing the National Anthem at their home opener on Wednesday. Streeter took to social media Wednesday night to explain that members of the organization had canceled her appearance just before the game because she had been wearing a jersey reading "We Matter."
The statement, posted to the 76ers website today, reads:
“We are sorry that this happened. 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.”
The apology still offers no specific explanation as to why Streeter was barred from performing, or whether her wardrobe was the deciding factor. In a statement made to the Associated Press earlier this week, the singer/songwriter said she was "extremely angry and disappointed," and that the incident "broke [her] heart."
"I also felt it was important to express the ongoing challenges and ongoing injustice we face as a black community within the United States of America - that's very important to me," Streeter continued. "Yes, we live in the greatest country in the world but there are issues that we cannot ignore. This can't be ignored."
