The Charlotte Hornets apologized to fans after backlash over a young fan who thought he was receiving a PlayStation 5, only to have the console taken away moments later when the cameras stopped rolling. The moment occurred during their game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
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On Monday, during the second-quarter break at the Spectrum Center, the team's mascot, Hugo, dressed as Santa Claus, brought a child onto the court. While a letter to Santa requesting a PS5 was read aloud, a cheerleader presented a bag that was believed to contain the console, Yahoo! Sports reported. However, once the moment concluded, a Hornets staff member reportedly replaced the PS5 with a jersey, leaving the child visibly upset. The child's uncle was reportedly aware of the switch but others involved in the skit, including the child, were confused by the move.
The move sparked backlash on social media as many criticized the NBA organization for pretending it couldn't let go of a $500 console. In response, the Hornets issued an apology: "During last night's game there was an on-court skit that missed the mark. The skit included bad decision making and poor communication. Simply put, we turned the ball over and we apologize." The statement continued to say that the child would be gifted the PS5 and a VIP experience with his family.
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"We have reached out to the family and are committed to not only making it right but to exceeding expectations. We will be providing the fan with the PS5 that he should have taken home last night along with a VIP experience to a future game. Our goal is and will remain to elevate the guest experience for every person that enters Spectrum Center, and to show our fans how much we appreciate their relentless support."
Despite the apology, fans continue to discuss the moment, claiming it was a poor decision due to the timing of the holiday season.