Bay Area rapper E-40 was escorted out of Saturday’s playoff game between the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings, and he believes “racial bias” was the reason.
A video surfaced on the internet of the “Choices” rapper speaking with security at Golden 1 Center before being escorted from the court. It’s unclear from the video what caused E-40’s ejection.
On Sunday, E-40 shared his experience in a statement to The Athletic’s Shams Charania. He believes he was the victim of “racial bias” after being the subject of some “disrespectful heckling.”
“On Saturday night, I was subjected to disrespectful heckling over the course of the Warriors-Kings game in Sacramento,” the statement reads. “During the fourth quarter, I finally turned around and addressed one heckler in an assertive but polite manner. Yet, shortly thereafter, Kings’ security team approached me, assumed that I instigated the encounter, and proceeded to kick me out of the arena.”
He continued, “Unfortunately, it was yet another reminder that — despite my success and accolades as a musician and entrepreneur — racial bias remains prevalent. Security saw a disagreement between a Black man and a white woman and immediately assumed that I was at fault.
“I’ve attended countless NBA games throughout my lifetime and have always prided myself in professionalism, so this experience has been jarring. I was absolutely humiliated by the Kings’ security team and I’m calling on the franchise to investigate the appalling conduct that transpired.”
E-40 thanked his fans and supporters and asked that the parties involved be held accountable.
“I’m truly grateful for my fans and supporters who have reached out to express their concern and disappointment regarding these disheartening circumstances,” he concluded the statement, “and I hope those involved are held accountable for their behavior.”
The team released a statement, stating they are look into what transpired.
“The Sacramento Kings take these claims seriously and are investigating the facts and circumstances regarding the situation, as we do anytime an accusation like this is made,” it said.
The Kings beat the Warriors 126-123 in game one, their first playoff game since 2006. Game two is scheduled for Monday at 10 p.m. ET at Golden 1 Center.
