TORONTO – Arcade Fire singer Win Butler and ESPN reporter Sage Steele had an awkward moment on Friday night at the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game after the musician was named the game’s MVP.
Steele asked Butler for comment on the MVP award and the game, but he took the opportunity to speak about the American Presidential election.
“I just want to say, as an election year in the U.S.,” said Butler before music began to play over him. “The U.S. has a lot they can learn from Canada, health care, taking care of people”
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Before he could continue Steele cut Butler off, saying “We’re talking about celebrity stuff, not politics.”
Butler, who was instrumental in Canada’s 74-64 victory, keyed an 8-0 run that put Canada ahead 20-15 in the early going. He finished with 15 points and 14 rebounds.
Butler was born in the United States but moved to Montreal to attend McGill University in 2000.