Sevyn Streeter was scheduled to perform the U.S. National Anthem before tip-off of the Philadelphia 76ers home opener on Wednesday night (Oct. 26) vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder. Sadly, the moment was taken away from the 30-year-old singer, as she was informed by the NBA organization that they scrapped the performance due to her wearing a “We Matter” jersey. “I’m at the 76ers game singing the National Anthem and the organization is telling me I can’t because I’m wearing a ‘We Matter’ jersey,” said Sevyn in a video posted on Twitter.

“The Philadelphia 76ers organization encourages meaningful actions to drive social change,” said the 76ers organization in a statement released to Philadelphia’s ABC 6 Action News. “We use our games to bring people together, to build trust and to strengthen our communities. As we move from symbolic gestures to action, we will continue to leverage our platform to positively impact our community.”

In a video posted online, Sevyn is seen and heard practicing “The Star-Spangled Banner” hours before tip-off as Action News reporter Jeff Skversky gives a preview of the NBA matchup.

Continue after the jump….

UPDATE (10/27): Speaking with The Associated Press, Sevyn speaks on the incident last night in Philadelphia. “I’d say two minutes before we were about to walk out … the organization told me that I could not wear my shirt while singing the national anthem at their game,” she says. “I was never given any kind of dress code. I was never asked beforehand to show my wardrobe.” Sevyn continued, “I was angry, extremely, extremely angry and disappointed and honestly brought to tears by all of it. It broke my heart. Honestly, I was very excited about being able to perform the national anthem. I was really looking forward to that.”

Below, Streeter also called into HOT 97 to discuss what happened.

UPDATE #2 (10/28): The Philadelphia 76ers released a statement on Friday, apologizing to Sevyn Streeter and admitting they were wrong for not allowing her to sing the national anthem because of her “We Matter” jersey. The organization have given the singer an open invitation to return and sing the anthem at any Sixers game of her choice this season.

Read the issued statement below.

Previously: Sevyn Streeter Feat. The-Dream – “D4L” (Video)