The Charlotte Hornets have issued a formal apology following backlash over an on-court skit during Monday night’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers. The skit, which involved a child seemingly being gifted a PlayStation 5, only for the console to be taken away off-camera, sparked widespread criticism online.
In response, the Hornets released a statement acknowledging their mistake and pledging to make amends. The organization announced that the child will receive the PS5 along with a VIP experience at a future game.
The Charlotte Hornets’ statement read:
“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. 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.”
The controversial moment occurred during a second-quarter break, when the Hornets’ mascot, Hugo, dressed as Santa Claus, invited the child onto the court. A cheerleader presented a bag containing the PS5 after a letter to Santa was read aloud. The child appeared ecstatic to receive the console, but his joy was short-lived as a staff member reportedly took it away once the cameras were off, replacing it with a jersey.
Reports suggest that even those involved in the skit, including the cheerleader, were confused by the sudden switch. While the child’s uncle was informed of the change, the child was not, leading to further criticism of the team’s actions.
The Hornets’ decision to initially stage the skit without actually gifting the console was seen as tone-deaf, particularly given the organization’s financial stature. The team was sold last year for approximately $3 billion, making the cost of a PS5—roughly $500—a negligible expense.
Although the incident has drawn scrutiny, the Hornets’ effort to rectify the situation appears to have been well-received. The child will now not only receive the PS5 but also enjoy an exclusive experience at a future game.
The Hornets, however, had little to celebrate on the court, losing 121-108 to the short-handed 76ers. Their record now stands at 7-19.
