Rapper E-40 claims 'racial bias' after being kicked out of NBA game after 'disagreement' with 'white woman' — but security has another story

Hip-hop artist E-40 is citing "racial bias" after he says he was ejected from an NBA playoff game for arguing with another member of the crowd whom he described as a "white woman," as reported by the Daily Wire.

The rapper, whose real name is Earl Tywone Stevens Sr., was seen all over social media speaking with security guards courtside, before eventually being ejected from the first game of the NBA playoffs between the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors on April 15, 2023.

As he left the venue, the artist appeared to be shouting and pointing at another member of the audience.

In a statement, the rapper said he was subjected to "disrespectful heckling" over the course of the game at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.

"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," the statement read.

“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,” E-40 continued.

The musician also called for an investigation into the security team's conduct.

A senior NBA writer for ESPN, Mark Spears, said the following day on Twitter that the venue had repeatedly warned E-40 about standing and blocking the view of other attendees.

"Golden 1 Center security believed E-40 stood excessively thus blocking the view of fans behind him, refused to comply after a warning was given after many complaints and there was an effort by Kings & Warriors security to escort him out without further distraction, - NBA sources," the writer said.

"A source close to E-40 says a warning was never given by Golden 1 security for standing excessively," he added minutes later.

According to ESPN, the Sacramento Kings announced they are looking into the incident.

"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 team said in a statement.

One of the stars of the Golden State Warriors, Klay Thompson, commented in support of the rapper, calling him the team's "biggest supporter for years."

"He's always been respectful. He's always been considerate of those around him. Very weird to see, and I hope it's resolved," the player added.

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