E-40, whose real name is Earl Stevens, took to social media and accused the security of the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, who removed him from the NBA game, of "racial bias."
"Unfortunately, it was yet another reminder that - despite my success and accolades as a musician and entrepreneur - racial bias remains prevalent," the Bay Area rap legend said in a statement.
"Security saw a disagreement between a Black man and a white woman and immediately assumed that I was at fault."
It was during the final quarter of the Sacramento Kings V. Golden State Warrior playoffs when he got into an argument with another member of the audience.
E-40 claimed that he was "subjected to disrespectful kecking over the course of the [game]," and he only confronted one of the hecklers in "an assertive but polite manner."
However, "Kings' security approached [him], assumed that [he] instigated the encounter, and proceeded to kick [him] out of the arena," the rapper continued.
"I was absolutely humiliated by the Kings' security team and I'm calling on the franchise to investigate the appalling conduct that transpired."
Sacramento Kings' Response
According to the Kings, they are looking into the incident and are currently investigating what had transpired between E-40 and the unnamed heckler, who was identified as female.
"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," the team's statement read.
What Really Happened?
According to the Associated Press, revealed that E-40 was standing and blocking the audience's view, which caused them to yell at him.
The report also noted that despite being continuously told to sit back down, the rapper refused to do so, which resulted in him being escorted out of the arena.
One of the Warrior players, Klay Thompson, addressed the altercation: "It's unfortunate. I love 40. He's been our biggest supporter for years. I hope they right that ship because he deserves to be there by our bench."
"In my time knowing him, he's always been respectful. He's always been considerate of those around him. Very weird to see, and I hope it's resolved."
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