Justine Skye Takes a Knee While Singing the National Anthem [VIDEO]
Justine Skye is garnering both praise and criticism for taking a knee while singing the national anthem during the Brooklyn Nets’ home opener at the Barclays Center on Friday night (Oct. 20).
The New York native appeared to have taken a knee in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. The courageous act was met with both cheers and boos from the crowd, according to the Associated Press (via ABC News).
"Got a bit shaky at the end.. was pretty uneasy about singing the anthem and probably won’t ever be invited to sing it again," said Skye in an Instagram video of her performance. "But I had to take a knee for the opening game in my city and let my voice be heard. We will not be silenced."
During her performance, players from both the Nets -- who locked arms while Skye sang -- and the Orlando Magic stood along the foul line.
A rep for the Nets said the organization was unaware that Skye was planning to take a knee. "We recognize that tonight's national anthem singer kneeled briefly at the end of her performance and we were not aware that she was going to do so," said the spokesperson.
Of course, Skye's performance drew mixed reactions on social media. Some saluted the R&B singer for taking a knee while others felt her actions were unpatriotic.
"[Obviously] a PR move, literally had no idea who you were. If you were a good aritst, you wouldn't have to resort to that shit.. sad af bruh," tweeted one person. Another commenter wrote, "Respect to @JustineSkye also because she sang beautifully and pulled this off with true powerful grace."
Check out people's reactions on Twitter below.