The Tenors apologize for altering Canadian anthem to reflect "All Lives Matter"

TORONTO, July 13 (UPI) -- The Canadian vocal quartet The Tenors did some back-peddling on Twitter this week after one of its members altered the words to the Canadian national anthem to reflect the All Lives Matter sentiment.

The top-selling group received a severe lashing on social media after group member Remigio Pereira, on his own, changed the words when they sang O Canada before the MLB All-Star Game in San Diego Tuesday. Instead of singing "With glowing hearts we see thee rise/The True North strong and free!" -- Pereira sang "We're all brothers and sisters/All lives matter to the great," Time reported.

Many posting on line about the incident were angry not only at the liberty the group took, but at the message the altered wording conveyed. The All Lives Matter movement is in contradiction to the Black Lives Matter movement that has been so vocal lately in the aftermath of several police shootings of black men.

In its tweet, The Tenors called Pereira a "lone wolf" saying they were "deeply sorry for the disrespectful and misguided lack of judgement" he used.

"The other members of the group are shocked and embarrassed by the actions of Remigio Pereira, who changed the lyrics of our treasured anthem and used this coveted platform to serve his own political views," The Tenors said.

Pereira, in addition to changing the lyrics to the anthem, also held up an All Lives Matter sign during the performance.

Pereira, himself, took to Twitter to explain his actions. "I've been so moved lately by the tragic loss of life and I hoped for a positive statement that would bring us all together. ONE LOVE."

He said that was his "singular motivation" when he said all lives matter.