Philadelphia 76ers Apologize to Sevyn Streeter Over Anthem Controversy

Earlier this week, singer Sevyn Streeter was barred from singing the national anthem at the Philadelphia 76ers home opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder because she was wearing a jersey with the words “We Matter” on it. “I’m at the 76ers game to sing the national anthem and the organization is telling me I can’t because I’m wearing a ‘We Matter’ jersey,” she said in a video. After some public backlash (and private backlash from players), the 76ers organization has issued an apology, according to TMZ.

“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,” they said in a statement. “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.” Streeter has yet to publicly respond.

Read “DeRay Mckesson on the Power of Protest Music” and “The Sounds of Black Lives Matter” on the Pitch.

Watch Sevyn Streeter’s “D4L” video featuring the-Dream:

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