Remigio Pereira has been suspended indefinitely from the Canadian Tenors singing group after he held up an “All Lives Matter” sign and altered some lyrics to the anthem “O Canada” during a performance at Tuesday’s All Star Game in San Diego.

“In a statement of apology issued during the game, three of The Tenors pinned the changes solely on Pereira, who held up the sign and sang the altered lyrics, while the other three singers wordlessly harmonized,” ESPN.com reported Wednesday morning. “The three other members said Pereira won’t perform with The Tenors ‘until further notice,’ calling his actions ‘disrespectful’ and ‘shameful.’ “

According to ESPN, Mr. Pereira sang, “We’re all brothers and sisters. All lives matter to the great,” instead of the lines, “With glowing hearts we see thee rise, The True North strong and free.”

For his part, Mr. Pereira defended the decision on Twitter.

“I speak for the human race and the lives of all sentient beings. Love, peace and harmony for ALL has always been my life’s purpose,” he tweeted. 

The Canadian national anthem is performed in addition to the “Star-Spangled Banner” at Major League Baseball’s annual All Star Game, although television viewers in the United States did not see the Canadian anthem performed as broadcasting partner Fox television didn’t air that portion of the pregame ceremonies, ESPN noted.

However, said ESPN, “it aired in Canada, where the Tenors’ decision lit up social media with overwhelming criticism of the change.”

“O Canada” last made headlines in June when the Canadian House of Commons voted overwhelmingly to make the song’s lyrics gender neutral. Last night’s performance at the All Star Game, however, retained the traditional opening lines: “O Canada!
/Our home and native land!/True patriot love in all thy sons command.”