76ers apologize for cancelling ‘We Matter’ anthem singer
PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers apologized Friday for cancelling the national anthem performance of a singer wearing a “We Matter” jersey.
The 76ers backtracked from their original stance when they told R&B singer Sevyn Streeter she could not perform the anthem before Wednesday night’s season opener because of the shirt’s slogan.
“We are sorry that this happened,” the Sixers said in a Friday 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.”
A person familiar with the decision to invite Streeter back said she would be allowed to wear her “We Matter” jersey if she decided to sing. The person spoke on condition of anonymity Friday because the Sixers had not announced the detail publicly.