Atlanta sounds off after NBA cancels Hawks' Magic City event
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General view of Magic City night club on March 23, 2022. Photo: Courtesy of Paras Griffin/Getty Images
Magic City responded Tuesday after the NBA canceled the Atlanta Hawks' planned promotional night with the iconic strip club.
Why it matters: Magic City has operated in Atlanta for more than 40 years and sits at the intersection of the city's nightlife and hip-hop culture.
- That influence — explored in the five-part documentary "Magic City: An American Fantasy" — helped turn it into a cultural institution.
The latest: Magic City said Tuesday in an Instagram post that it's disappointed in the decision but respects the league's choice.
- The adult entertainment club also said it's proud to have been part of Atlanta's culture for more than 40 years and denounces "abuse, exploitation, or mistreatment in any form," and stands for "the dignity and safety of everyone in our industry."
- "If anything, this moment shows that Atlanta stands united," Magic City said. "We're proud to represent the culture, energy, and creativity that make this city special."
What y'all are saying: Several Axios Atlanta readers also sounded off on the NBA's decision, offering sharply different views on the canceled event.
- Reader James G. said he was disappointed that the Hawks would promote a "misogynistic culture promulgated by Magic City."
- "Promoting this culture sends our youth a negative perception that this is the behavior associated with Atlanta, professional sports, and Black culture," he said.
- "One would think that the Hawks would be more attuned to the current environment and make a better decision regarding how we treat our mothers, sisters, grandmothers, daughters, and wives," said reader Gregory L.
The other side: Plenty of y'all were also perplexed by the NBA's decision.
- "All these people not from Atlanta need to mind their own business," Andrea M. said.
- Christine S. pointed out that Lou Williams was responsible for putting the club's lemon pepper wings on the NBA's radar in 2020, when the retired guard stopped by the club while on an excused absence.
- "That's part of our city's history now, just as Magic City has been for decades," she said.
- One reader who wanted to remain anonymous said they grew up attending sporting events where planes flew banners promoting adult entertainment venues. "Magic City night was more about ATL culture than anything else," the reader said.
State of play: If you were planning to snag the limited edition Peachtree-themed hoodie at Monday's game, you'll be out of luck. The Hawks will only honor pre-ordered merchandise.
- Magic City's famous wings will also not be served, so you'll have your choice of "award-winning culinary options" — including wings from other eateries — at State Farm Arena, the Hawks said.
- The live recording of the Hawks AF Podcast is also off the table, and anyone who purchased tickets will be informed.
Yes, but: Hip-hop artist T.I. will still perform during Monday's halftime slot, so there will be some celebration of Atlanta's culture.
Our thought bubble: Magic City has long been more than a strip club in Atlanta. For some, it's part of the city's cultural fabric; for others, it reinforces stereotypes about Atlanta and Black life.