On social media, many viewers were stunned after a viral video captured a moment showing the basketball team facing backlash over a misleading PS5 giveaway.
The Charlotte Hornets recently found themselves at the center of online criticism after a poorly executed on-court skit.
During their December 16 game against the Philadelphia 76ers, a holiday-themed segment intended to entertain fans went awry.
This left a young boy disappointed and sparked an uproar on social media.
What happened during the PS5 Giveaway?
As part of the Christmas celebrations, Hugo the Hornet, dressed as Santa Claus, handed out gifts to young fans who had written letters to “St. Nick.”
One boy, who had asked for a PlayStation 5, was thrilled when Hugo presented him with the console.
However, the excitement was short-lived. After the boy left the court, a team staff member took the PS5 away and replaced it with a jersey.
The boy, unaware of the planned switch, was visibly confused and disappointed.
Social media outrage over the incident
A video of the event was shared online, sparking widespread backlash.
Comments on Twitter condemned the Hornets’ actions, with one user calling it “shameful” and another describing it as “disgusting.”
Fans criticized the team for misleading the child and creating an unnecessarily cruel moment.
One person said: If the plan the whole time was to just give the kids a jersey anyway, just give the kids the jerseys on the court. Any kid, or any fan of the team, would be happy with that.
A second wrote: Who ever thought up the ‘skit’ has the worst sense of humor
While a third commented: Merica!!! Land of the mighty dollar. The owner needs that in his pocket.
Another added: After snatching it out of his hands, the kid was probably thinking about which of his parent’s weapons he was going to use to get back at that guy.
Boycott the team there needs to be serious consequences. Another user added.
Someone else said: Wow. Nobody thought that skit was a good idea. I call bullshit.
Family shares their perspective about this incident
The boy’s uncle, Alexei Phillips, later explained the situation to Queen City News.
According to Phillips, the team informed him that the gifts given on stage were part of the skit and would not be kept. Despite this, he still believed his nephew might actually receive the PS5.
“When the staff member took it away, everyone thought it was a joke,” Phillips recalled. “The dancers and everyone around us were shocked when they realized it wasn’t.”
Phillips added that the situation could have been avoided with better communication. “If they had just handed him the jersey on stage, he would have been happy,” he said.
Hornets issue apology and promise to make amends
Following the backlash, the Hornets released a statement acknowledging their mistake.
“During last night’s game, there was an on-court skit that missed the mark. The skit included bad decision-making and poor communication. Simply put, we turned the ball over, and we apologize.”
The team promised to make things right by providing the boy with the PS5 and offering him a VIP experience at a future game. They emphasized their commitment to enhancing the fan experience and showing appreciation for their supporters.
While the Hornets’ apology and efforts to rectify the situation are commendable, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of thoughtful planning.
Transparency and clear communication are essential, especially when engaging with young fans.
Moving forward, the Hornets have an opportunity to rebuild trust by ensuring future events bring genuine joy to their audience.
For now, the boy can look forward to his new PS5 and an unforgettable VIP experience at an upcoming game.