Music

Tenor posts video apologizing for replacing "O Canada" lyrics with "all lives matter"

by Richard Howard

A member of the B.C. quartet The Tenors is apologising for causing a shitstorm of controversy while singing ‘O Canada’ at the MLB All-Star Game in San Diego. During a solo portion during which Remigio Pereira would usually sing “With glowing hearts we see thee rise, the True North strong and free” or its French equivalent, he instead sang “We’re all brothers and sisters, all lives matter to the great” while holding a sign with “All Lives Matter” written on one side and “United We Stand” on the other.

His bandmates were quick to denounce his actions and assure the public that the “lone wolf” Pereira had been suspended indefinitely, but one look at the video makes it clear they had no idea the stunt was about to happen.

Pereira quickly tweeted that he had hoped for a “positive statement to bring us all together,” and has now posted a lengthy Facebook video to explain his actions.

First apologising to his countrymen for changing the anthem, he assured that “in no way shape or form was I intending to disrespect the anthem, the people of my country and the people that have fallen for this country to be free.” He then moved on to the “all lives matter” message. And while he may have started off a bit shakily mentioning his “bi-racial daughter” and the fact that his best friend was black growing up, he went on to sincerely deny being racist and explain his intention was “to bring unity and peace through loving one another.” He also apologised directly to the Black Lives Matter movement.

The visibly emotional Pereira also referenced the recent terrorist attack in Nice, saying that those events “show we need love, we need unity – and that was my intention, not a racist comment.” He then spoke of how his actions have affected him and his band.

“I had nothing to gain from this, in fact, I’ve lost everything. I lost the respect of my band. We’ve always sung about leading with our hearts and being under one sky which are some of the anthems which we write expressing our love for humanity and all people. I’d like to apologise to [band members] Victor [Micallef], Fraser [Walters] and Clifton [Murray]. I haven’t spoken to them in person but I want you to know that I am sorry for putting you in his situation.”

Pereira may have a tough hill to climb if he hopes to rejoin The Tenors. The furor has also caused media outlets to uncover his penchant for conspiracy theories, including an apparent belief that the earth is flat – which is likely to give his bandmates further pause.

Watch the video apology in its entirety below.