The Sacramento Kings are investigating claims by a Bay Area hip-hop star that he was ejected from a playoff game against the Golden State Warriors due to “racial bias.”
E-40 stated in a statement that he was heckled throughout Saturday night’s game and confronted one heckler “in an assertive but polite manner” before being asked to leave the arena by security officers.
“Unfortunately, it was yet another reminder that racial prejudice persists, despite my success and accolades as a musician and entrepreneur,” he said in a statement. “Security saw a disagreement between a black man and a white woman and immediately assumed that I was at fault.”
Kings examines “racial bias” after E-40 was expelled.
The Kings have stated that they are looking into the circumstances surrounding the ejection.
“The Sacramento Kings take these allegations seriously and are conducting an investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding this situation,” the team said in a statement.
According to a source familiar with the situation, E-40, whose actual name is Earl Stevens, was standing and obstructing the view of supporters behind him and was issued a warning following multiple complaints. The individual spoke to the AP under the condition of anonymity because the specifics of the situation were not made public.
According to the source, E-40 refused to comply and was removed from his seat by Warriors and Kings security personnel.
Rapper is a major Warriors supporter.
A second person familiar with the circumstance, also speaking anonymously, stated that security never warned E-40 about “excessive standing.”
This season, E-40 was a member of the Warriors’ delegation that visited the White House.
Warriors defender Klay Thompson commented, “It’s unfortunate.” “I adore 40. He has been our most loyal supporter for many years. I hope they are able to right the ship because he deserves a spot on our bench. Since I’ve known him, he’s been respectful at all times. He has always shown consideration for those in his vicinity. Very strange to see, and I pray the issue is resolved.”
E-40 is well-known for his collaborations with other artists, which include I Don’t Fuck With You with Big Sean, Snap Yo Fingers with Lil Jon and Sean Paul of YoungBloodZ, and U And Dat with T-Pain and Kandi Girl.
