San Antonio Spurs forward Luke Kornet has urged the Atlanta Hawks to drop their partnership with a well‑known adult entertainment venue.
Magic City has long been a fixture in Atlanta’s nightlife, referenced in numerous hip‑hop tracks and frequented by performers such as Drake, Lil Yachty, Migos, Jack Harlow and Future. Athletes have also visited; Michael Jordan is among past guests, and Atlanta United celebrated its 2018 championship there. The venue drew additional notice in 2020 when former L.A. Clippers guard Lou Williams stopped by after exiting the NBA’s quarantine bubble during the pandemic.
The Hawks recently publicized a themed evening with Magic City for their March 16 contest against the Orlando Magic. The program was slated to include a set by Atlanta‑born rapper T.I. and to offer the club’s signature chicken wings and apparel.
Kornet, who identifies as a practicing Catholic, expressed opposition to the event in a Medium essay, arguing that it “would reflect poorly on us as an NBA community, specifically in being complicit in the potential objectification and mistreatment of women in our society.”
In a statement, the Hawks described Magic City as an “iconic cultural institution” and highlighted its “significant role in hip‑hop and Black culture.”
Kornet pointed out that the release omitted the club’s own claim of being “Atlanta’s premier strip club.” He said the proposed celebration does not suit many NBA supporters.
“We aim to create a setting where fans of all ages can safely watch basketball and honor community history and culture responsibly,” he wrote. “Honoring a strip club does not align with that goal.”
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