Padres Say ‘No Evidence of Malicious Intent’ Against Gay Men’s Chorus, Apologize, Fire Contractor

After Homophobic Incident Padres Offer a Second Apology to San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus

The San Diego Padres have offered a second apology and say they have found “no evidence of malicious intent” but fired the contractor responsible for playing a recording of a woman singing the national anthem while the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus stood on the field, invited and prepared to do so.

What the Padres are now calling an “unintentional mistake” was a “nightmare,” the head of the Gay Men’s Chorus charged. The Saturday night incident kicked off the Padres’ Out At The Park night, which was supposed to be a celebration of LGBT inclusivity. 

In a second statement, the Padres add they have “taken disciplinary action against” the employee in charge of the event.

VIDEO: Honest Error or Homophobic Humiliation? What Really Happened to the Gay Men’s Chorus at Petco Park?

“We once again sincerely apologize to members of the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus, their families, and those who came out to support their Pride Night performance,” the Padres said Sunday night. They also expressed deep regret and said they take full responsibility.

Bob Lehman, the executive director of the Gay Men’s Chorus, The New York Times reports, “said he had bought $360 worth of tickets for family and friends, none of whom stayed for the game. He also said that he had thrown away a rally towel the team had given to chorus members, and that members and supporters were left feeling that the wrong recording had been played deliberately.”

“They just kind of let us stand there,” he said, describing the moment as surreal and devastating.

 

Image: Screenshot via Dan England/Facebook