Charlotte Hornets Apologize for Controversial PS5 Gift Skit Involving Young Fan

The Charlotte Hornets have issued an apology following a controversial gift-giving skit during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday. The incident involved a young fan who was brought down to the court to meet the team’s mascot, dressed as Santa Claus. A letter from the boy to Santa asking for a PlayStation 5 was read aloud, and a cheerleader then presented the boy with a bag containing the console. However, once the cameras stopped rolling, the PlayStation 5 was taken away from the boy, and he was given a team jersey instead.

The skit, intended as a holiday gesture, backfired when a clip of the incident went viral on social media, sparking widespread criticism. The Hornets acknowledged the mistake, stating that the skit “missed the mark” and included “bad decision making and poor communication.”.

In their apology, the Hornets committed to making it right by providing the fan with the PlayStation 5 he was initially given, along with a VIP experience to a future game. The team emphasized their goal of elevating the guest experience for all fans and showing appreciation for their support.

This incident comes as the Charlotte Hornets continue their 2024-25 season, having won seven games and lost 19 so far. The team has been under new ownership since last year, after basketball star Michael Jordan sold his majority stake for a reported $3 billion.