R&B songstress Sevyn Streeter is speaking out about her first-hand experience with being reprimanded for taking a stand.
The 30-year-old entertainer was scheduled to sing the national anthem just before tipoff as the Philadelphia 76ers took on the Oklahoma City Thunder in Philly on Wednesday night, but an unpleasant surprise put a stop to the performance before it even began. Just as Sevyn was preparing to take the court, 76ers officials notified her she was no longer allowed to perform because of her choice of attire — a black mesh jersey top with the words “We Matter” printed on the front in white lettering.
Sevyn took to social media to share her experience with fans shortly after being notified that she was no longer welcome to sing. “So, I’m at the 76ers game to sing the national anthem and the organization is telling me that I can’t because I’m wearing a “We Matter” jersey,” she said in a 9-second video posted to her Twitter account. Check out the clip in full below.
Was suppose to sing the anthem at @sixers & @okcthunder game but mins b4 @sixers said I couldn't because I was wearing a "We Matter" jersey pic.twitter.com/wjoJN3rq0r
— Sevyn (@sevyn) October 27, 2016
The Sixers organization issued a statement on the incident shortly after Sevyn’s video went viral.
“The Philadelphia 76ers organization encourages meaningful actions to drive social change,” the statement read. “We use our games to bring people together, to build trust and to strengthen our communities. As we move from symbolic gestures to action, we will continue to leverage our platform to positively impact our community.”
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Sevyn later elaborated further on her disappointment with not being able to perform, adding that she was reduced to tears upon receiving the news.
“I was never given any kind of dress code, she told ESPN. “I was never asked beforehand to show my wardrobe. I was angry, extremely, extremely angry, and disappointed and honestly brought to tears by all of it. It broke my heart. Honestly, I was very excited about being able to perform the national anthem. I was really looking forward to that.”
The NBA declined to comment on the incident.