The Sacramento Kings are investigating allegations from a Bay Area hip-hop star that “racial bias” led to him being kicked out of his seat during a playoff game against the Golden State Warriors.
The rapper E-40 said in a statement that he was heckled throughout the game Saturday night and addressed one heckler “in an assertive but polite manner” before security guards came and ordered him to leave the arena.
“Unfortunately, it was yet another reminder that — despite my success and accolades as a musician and entrepreneur — racial bias remains prevalent,”
Rapper E-40 said in a statement.
“Security saw a disagreement between a Black man and a white woman and immediately assumed that I was at fault.”
The Kings said they are investigating the circumstances behind the ejection.
Videos surfaced on social media showing E-40 being confronted by security at the Golden 1 Center and subsequently leaving the arena, where he was sitting courtside.
E-40 added that he was “absolutely humiliated” by the Kings’ security called on the team to “investigate the appalling conduct that transpired.”
Upon leaving, he was seen pointing at fans who were seated near him as they watched his exit, some smiling, some waving, some recording on their phones — all of whom were white.
Arena security believed that the rapper “stood excessively” which blocked the view of those sitting behind him and claimed he did not comply after receiving a warning.
Fan video from the arena show the rapper being escorted out by security.
During his discussion with arena workers, E-40 becomes visibly agitated by the situation, leading to several more employees coming over to remove him.
