Sevyn Streeter banned from wearing ‘We Matter’ top for performance

Singer Sevyn Streeter cancelled her performance of the national anthem at a basketball game after being told she couldn’t wear a “We Matter” top.
The 30-year-old Florida-born musician was due to sing America’s Star-Spangled Banner at basketball team The Philadelphia 76ers’ game against the Oklahoma Thunder on Wednesday night (26Oct16).
However, minutes before she took to the court, Sevyn claims the team bosses told her she couldn’t perform because she was wearing a top referencing the Black Lives Matter movement.
“I was suppose to sing the national anthem at the @sixers and @okcthunder game in #Philly but minutes before @sixers organisation said I could not because I was wearing a ‘We Matters’ jersey. WTF! (what the f**k)” she said.
Her message on Twitter and Facebook caused much response from fans, many of whom were stunned that she had been prevented from airing her views through her wardrobe choice.
“I was angry, extremely, extremely angry and disappointed and honestly brought to tears by all of it. It broke my heart,” Sevyn added to the Associated Press. “Honestly, I was very excited about being able to perform the national anthem. I was really looking forward to that.”
The national anthem was then performed by a 76ers dancer.
After the controversy, a statement from The Philadelphia 76ers was released, which read: “The Philadelphia 76ers organisation encourages meaningful actions to drive social change. 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.”