NBA cancels Atlanta Hawks’ theme night with strip club Magic City after backlash | NBA
The NBA has canceled the Atlanta Hawks’ plan to host a party celebrating the city’s popular Magic City strip club, saying it did so because of the “concerns” of many in the league.
Atlanta announced the plan last month, saying the team would pay homage to an “iconic cultural institution” with food — including the club’s famous lemon pepper wings — as well as a live musical performance by Atlanta native TI and exclusive merchandise.
After the Hawks announced their plans for the promotion, San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet spoke about the idea and urged the parties involved to reconsider their decision. And the league obviously heard the same message from others.
“When we became aware of the Atlanta Hawks’ planned promotion, we reached out to Hawks leadership to better understand their plans and rationale,” Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “While we appreciate the team’s perspective and desire to move forward, we have heard significant concerns from a wide range of league stakeholders, including fans, partners and employees. I believe canceling this promotion is the right decision for the broader NBA community.”
The Hawks had no immediate comment. The tribute game was scheduled for next Monday against the Orlando Magic.
Kornet wrote in a Medium post that it would “reflect poorly on us as an NBA community, particularly in being complicit in the potential objectification and mistreatment of women in our society.”
“We want to provide an environment where fans of all ages can safely come and enjoy basketball and where we can celebrate the history and culture of communities with a clear conscience,” he wrote. “Celebrating a strip club is not conduct consistent with this vision.”
Al Horford, the Golden State Warriors center who played nine seasons for the Hawks, reposted Kornet’s letter with the caption: “Well said Luke.”
Rappers Drake, Quavo and 2 Chainz have praised the Magic City’s impact on music and celebrity culture. Michael Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal also came, while MLS’s Atlanta United celebrated their 2018 title at the club.
Hawks principal owner Jami Gertz was a producer on a five-part documentary series that explored the history of the Magic City, its place in black and hip-hop culture and what it means for the city.
“This collaboration and theme night is very meaningful to me after all the work we did to put together ‘Magic City: An American Fantasy,’” Gertz, who is also a filmmaker and actor, said when announcing the promotion. “Atlanta’s iconic institution has had an incredible impact on our city and its unique culture.”
