The internet has erupted in fury after Vancouver-based pop-opera group The Tenors performed at last night’s MLB all-star game in San Diego.
During the performance, a member of the group, Remigio Pereira, used his solo part to make a political statement by changing the lyrics to ‘O, Canada’ from “With glowing hearts we see thee rise, The True North strong and free,” to “We’re all brothers and sisters, all lives matter to the great”. While singing, Pereira also held up a sign with “all lives matter” written on it. The crowd is heard cheering in the background.
You can actually see the other #tenors slowly like at him like "what the fuck" when he starts his solo.@bruce_arthur pic.twitter.com/awZGTHjyk0
— Andy Cole (@AndyCole84) July 13, 2016
The response on Social media was swift, and equally condemned his changing of the Canadian anthem lyrics, as well as promoting “All Lives Matter” slogan, which is arguably an inherently racist dismissal of the “Black Lives Matter” movement.
The Tenors were quick to respond to the backlash and releasing a statement on their website saying they were “shocked and embarrassed by the actions of Remigio Pereira”.
“The Tenors are deeply sorry for the disrespectful and misguided lack of judgment by one member of the group acting as a ‘lone wolf’ today during the singing of the Canadian national anthem at the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in San Diego.”
“Our sincere apologies and regrets go out to everybody who witnessed this shameful act, to our fellow Canadians, to Major League Baseball, to our friends, families, fans and to all those affected.”
They went on to call Pereira, “extremely selfish” and added that he would no longer be performing in the group, “until further notice.”
#LUDWIGVAN
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