Charlotte Hornets issue public apology after promotional skit involving a kid goes horribly wrong (Image Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images)
The Charlotte Hornets conducted a Christmas-themed promotional skit during Monday's 121-108 home loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. However, many were left confused and outraged upon discovering a child was shortchanged off-camera, resulting in the organization's public apology.
Midway through Monday's contest, Charlotte's mascot, Hugo the Hornet, dressed up as Santa Claus and distributed gifts to young fans, fulfilling their Christmas wishes. One child's request for a PlayStation 5 was seemingly granted, to the applause of the Spectrum Center crowd.
However, X/Twitter user @StanUsmnt, a self-proclaimed close friend of the boy's family, promptly called out the franchise for allegedly deceiving fans. According to the user, the giveaway was only for show, and the Hornets later took back the PS5 behind the scenes, replacing it with a team jersey.
