Rapper E-40 gets ejected from Kings-Warriors playoff game, alleges 'racial bias'
E-40 a Warriors superfan who is usually at games in San Francisco
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Golden State Warriors fan E-40 was sitting courtside and watching his team play the Sacramento Kings in Game 1 of the NBA playoffs on Saturday night at the Golden 1 Center.
However, E-40 didn’t make it through the entire game as it appeared he was ejected from the arena during the second half. Videos posted to social media showed the rapper arguing with security guards before he was escorted to the back.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Rapper E-40 is escorted from courtside seating during the Western Conference playoff game between the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings at the Golden 1 Center on April 15, 2023. (Loren Elliott/Getty Images)
A source familiar with the situation said E-40 was standing and blocking the view of other guests. After multiple complaints, E-40 was given warnings but refused to comply.
"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 Kings told Fox News Digital in a statement.
E-40 told The Athletic that he was subjected to "disrespectful heckling" during the game.
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"During the fourth quarter, I finally turned around and addressed one heckler in an assertive but [polite] manner. Yet, shortly thereafter, Kings’ security approached me, assumed that I instigated the encounter and proceeded to kick me out of the arena," E-40’s statement reads.
"Unfortunately, it was yet another reminder that – despite my success and accolades as a musician and entrepreneur – racial bias remains prevalent. Security saw a disagreement between a Black man and a white woman and immediately assumed that I was at fault.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Rapper E-40, poses for a photo after the game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Chicago Bulls on Nov. 4, 2019, at Chase Center in San Francisco. (Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
"I’ve attended countless NBA games throughout my lifetime and have always prided myself in my professionalism, so this experience has been jarring. I was absolutely humiliated by the Kings’ security team and I’m calling on the franchise to investigate the appalling conduct that transpired."
"I’m truly grateful for my fans and supporters who have reached out to express their concern and disappointment regarding these disheartening circumstances and I hope those involved are held accountable for their behavior."
De'Aaron Fox of the Kings dunks the ball during the playoffs on April 15, 2023, at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. (Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Sacramento won the game, 126-123. Game 2 is set for Monday at 10 p.m. ET.