Sebastien De La Cruz, 11, Taunted by Racist Tweets After Singing National Anthem, Talks "Living the American Dream"

"I'm from San Antonio, born and raised," said the young mariachi singer and former America's Got Talent contestant, who performed before NBA Finals' Game 3

By Bruna Nessif Jun 13, 2013 2:15 AMTags
Sebastian De La CruzAndrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images

Here's a story that will tug at your heart.

Sebastien De La Cruz, nicknamed El Charro de Oro, who first showcased his powerhouse vocals when he competed on America's Got Talent last season as a mariachi singer, was given the opportunity to sing the national anthem during game 3 of the NBA finals between the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs.

However, this 11-year-old's dream come true was interrupted by numerous racist tweets from viewers who were bothered by seeing a Mexican-American performer sing the traditional ballad.

After catching wind of the horrible backlash, De La Cruz came to his own defense during an interview with Fox San Antonio today.

"They don't know my life," the young singer said. "My father was actually in the navy for a pretty long time, and I actually salute him today for that. I just wanna thank him and to be able to sing the national anthem. People don't know, they just assume that I'm just Mexican. But I'm not from Mexico, I'm from San Antonio, born and raised. True San Antonio Spurs fan."

The San Antonio native, who was a last-minute replacement for former Hootie and the Blowfish frontman Darius Rucker (who has also faced some racism recently), also decided to tweet about the incident, telling his followers, "Please do not pay attention to the negative people. I am an American living the American Dream. This is part of the American life."

Bravo, Sebastien.