The rapper claims “racial bias” played a role in the incident at Golden 1 Center.
While attending the Warriors-Kings game in Sacramento on Saturday night, rapper E-40 was kicked out of the arena. On Sunday, the rapper explained that he believes he was ejected for “racial bias.”
In a statement, E-40, who was born Earl Stevens, claims that he was being heckled all night, and in the fourth quarter he addressed one heckler in an “assertive but polite manner.” However, security at the Golden 1 Center apparently thought that he was the instigator and kicked him out as a result.
A video on Twitter shows security escorting E-40 out of the arena at approximately 8 p.m. PT, but doesn’t provide much context beyond the ejection.
Did @TheRealE40 get kicked out?! I wonder what happened.. ???? pic.twitter.com/sbmzbsYv0O
— Coach Marcus Riley (@linebackrschool) April 16, 2023
“Security saw a disagreement between a black man and a white woman and immediately assumed that I was at fault,” E-40 wrote.
The rapper described the experience as “jarring” considering he always tries to act with “professionalism” whenever he attends a game.
“I was absolutely humiliated by the Kings’ security team and I’m calling on the franchise to investigate the appalling conduct that transpired,” he said.
Hip-hop artist E-40 says racial bias was the reason behind him being kicked out of Golden 1 Center midway through the fourth quarter of Golden State-Sacramento on Saturday night and he is requesting the Kings to investigate. Full statement: pic.twitter.com/15Lwl2lJZF
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 16, 2023
E-40 is a Warriors fan who frequently attends Golden State games. The rapper closed his statement by saying he hopes everyone involved is “held accountable for their behavior.”
The Kings released a statement saying they are investigating the incident.
“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 said, via The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
