Sixers apologize to singer, invite her to perform again after "We Matter" jersey controversy

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - The Philadelphia 76ers organization has apologized to singer Sevyn Streeter after she was told by the team she could not perform because of her "We Matter" jersey.

The Sixers released a statement Friday afternoon stating: "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."

Streeter was scheduled to sing before the Sixers' season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder, but said in an interview with The Associated Press late Wednesday she was told she would not sing just minutes before her performance.

"I'd say two minutes before we were about to walk out ... the organization told me that I could not wear my shirt while singing the national anthem at their game," the R&B singer said by phone. "I was never given any kind of dress code. I was never asked beforehand to show my wardrobe."

Originally, the Sixers declined to say why Streeter's performance was canceled.

"The Philadelphia 76ers organization 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," the Sixers said in an earlier statement.

The Sixers had a member of their dance team sing the anthem.