The Charlotte Hornets became the center of a PR disaster after failing miserably to execute a giveaway Monday night during the game with the Philadelphia 76ers.

A child, reportedly gifted a PlayStation 5 in an on-court segment, later found out the console was not his to keep— a move that brought widespread criticism.

What Happened Wrong With the PS5 Giveaway?

Charlotte Hornets Face Backlash Over PS5 Giveaway Stunt—Promise to Make Charlotte Hornets Face Backlash Over PS5 Giveaway Stunt—Promise to Make
David Jensen/Getty Images

During the second quarter, the Hornets' mascot Hugo, dressed as Santa Claus, brought a young fan onto the court. TMZ Sports described the moment to be magical: a letter to Santa was read aloud, and a cheerleader appeared, handing over a coveted PS5. The child's joy was palpable, but it didn't last long.

After the cameras stopped rolling, a Hornets staff member reportedly took the console back and replaced it with a team jersey. Confusion ensued, as even the cheerleader involved appeared baffled.

According to reports, the child's uncle was informed about the switch—but the child himself was left in the dark.

Social Media Backlash Sparks Hornets' Apology

The incident soon blew up online, with fans criticizing the team for its behavior. "Even in a skit, this is a terrible look," one critic tweeted. Another added, "A multi-billion-dollar organization couldn't part with a $500 console? Embarrassing."

Confronted with increasing backlash, the Hornets issued an apology, stating that the skit had "missed the mark." They declared that the child would not only receive the PS5 but also experience a VIP experience at a future game.

Making Amends—But Is It Enough?

The Hornets' response aims to repair their image, but questions remain about how such a mishap occurred in the first place. As one of the NBA's wealthiest franchises, the decision to orchestrate a fake act of generosity has left many shaking their heads.

The Hornets organization released a statement regarding the incident:

"During last night's game there was an on-court skit that missed the mark. The skit included bad decision making and poor communication. Simply put, we turned the ball over and we apologize. We have reached out to the family and are committed to not only making it right but to exceeding expectations. We will be providing the fan with the PS5 that he should have taken home last night along with a VIP experience to a future game. Our goal is and will remain to elevate the guest experience for every person that enters Spectrum Center, and to show our fans how much we appreciate their relentless support."

While the child will now get his PlayStation 5, people will never forget that the Hornets' authenticity is tainted—especially when young fans are involved.

Hornets' Struggles Extend Beyond the Court

To add insult to injury, the Hornets lost Monday night's game 121-108, dropping their record to a dismal 7-19, Yahoo Sports reports. With challenges both on and off the court, the organization has plenty to work on moving forward.

By turning a PR blunder into an opportunity to genuinely delight a fan, the Hornets might begin to rebuild trust. But for now, their holiday spirit has some catching up to do.