One of the members of the The Canadian Tenors caused controversy when he altered lyrics in O Canada to express his political views while performing at a baseball game on Tuesday night.
Remigio Pereira held a sign that said “All lives matter” on the front and “United we stand” on the back at the Major League Baseball All-Star Game at Petco Park in San Diego.
While the group sang the national anthem, he sang, “With glowing hearts we see the rise, the True North strong and free” to “We’re all brothers and sisters, all lives matter to the great.”
Social media erupted with comments condemning the group.
The rest of The Canadian Tenors have issued an apology after the incident, calling it a “shameful act.”
“The Tenors are deeply sorry for the disrespectful and misguided lack of judgment by one member of the group acting as a ‘lone wolf’…” they said. “The other members of the group are shocked and embarrassed.”
However, not everyone was angry about the change in lyrics. All-Star Blue Jay Michael Saunders said he’s OK with the message.
“I’m a very proud Canadian and the anthem means something to me and he did what he thought was right, what he had to do. That was his decision,” Saunders said.
Pereira posted on twitter late last night.
“I've been so moved lately by the tragic loss of life and I hoped for a positive statement that would bring us ALL together. One love,” he said.
