AP Photo/Gregory Bull, FileMusical quartet The Tenors is down one man after Tuesday's MLB All-Star Game.
The group has suspended singer Remigio Pereira after he changed the lyrics to the "O Canada" anthem to include "all lives matter." In a statement, The Tenors apologize for Pereira, who acted alone. "The Tenors are deeply sorry for the disrespectful and misguided lack of judgment by one member of the group acting as a 'lone wolf' today during the singing of the Canadian national anthem at the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in San Diego," the group posted on Twitter after the game.
The group placed the blame on Pereira, who "changed the lyrics of our treasured anthem and used this coveted platform to serve his own political views." The statement also said that the rest of the group was "shocked and embarrassed" by Pereira's actions.
During the performance, Pereira unexpectedly sang, "We're all brothers and sisters. All lives matter to the great." The original lyrics, however, is, "With glowing hearts we see thee rise. The True North strong and free." On the back of his sign was "United We Stand."
The surprising change did not go over well on social media, where people slammed the singer for his choice. "Changing the lyrics of O Canada to support 'All Lives Matter' is an incredibly efficient and effective way to piss off literally everyone," one person tweeted.
In addition to The Tenors' statement online, Pereira released his own series of tweets explaining his decision. "I speak for the human race and the lives of all sentient beings. Love, peace and harmony for ALL has always been my life's purpose.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 wrote. "That was my singular motivation when I said all lives matter."