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Hornets’ PS5 Prank Backfires: An Apology and a VIP Experience
The Charlotte Hornets found themselves in hot water after a Christmas-themed on-court skit went wrong. A young fan was brought on stage and seemingly gifted a PlayStation 5, only to have it taken away after the cameras stopped rolling. The incident, captured on social media, quickly went viral.
A Viral Video and Public Outcry
A video shared by Adam Turner showed the Hornets giving the child a PS5, only to retrieve it and replace it with a jersey. This sparked outrage online, leading to a swift response from the team.
The Hornets’ Apology and Amends
The Hornets issued a public apology, explaining the incident was intended as a skit. They contacted the boy’s family, offering a PS5, and a VIP experience at a future game as compensation for the misunderstanding.
While the boy’s uncle knew beforehand the PS5 wasn’t a permanent gift, the child was unaware. The Hornets’ initial actions were criticized, but the prompt apology and subsequent actions were seen positively.
A Change in Ownership
It’s worth noting that until last year, Michael Jordan was the majority owner of the Hornets before selling his stake. The recent incident highlights the potential impact of changing leadership within sports organizations.
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