Sixers investigating allegations of racism, threats of violence by former dancer

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A former Philadelphia 76ers dance team captain is apologizing for an offensive rant captured on video from 2016 that's now gone viral.

The video is a snapshot former dancer Yahne Coleman, who is Black, claimed to have dealt with while on the team.

The woman in the video is identified as former dance team captain Anne Weiss who left the organization in 2013.

Weiss can be heard on the video posted to Instagram making racially charged comments, inappropriate remarks about Coleman's hygiene, and threatening physical violence.

"I will find you in whatever home project you live in. I will slum it to the West Side of Philly just to find your (expletive), beat the (expletive) out of it," Weiss says in the video.

Coleman, who left the squad in 2015, wrote on Instagram she was initially "scared to release this" because she was "bullied and racially targeted" by former teammates and the dance team's coaching staff.

Her story was later shared by R&B star Trey Songz.

Coleman says she sent the same video to the Sixers organization "crying out for help so many times" and "nothing was done."

A spokesperson with the Philadelphia 76ers says the team is investigating and issued this statement: "We take this situation very seriously. We intend to investigate this matter immediately and remain committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and equality."

Weiss has apologized to Coleman on social media, saying she was deeply ashamed for the disrespectful and inexcusable video she recorded.

Mark Boston Jr., owner of I am Phresh Dance School, trains some of the 76ers dancers. He is also a friend of Coleman.

Boston said the video didn't surprise him.

"I think it's just part of the culture with a lot of dance squads and organizations. Especially if you're a rookie," Boston said. "The video that was put out does not reflect the dancers that's dancing today, but it's still a video to look at and hopefully the Sixers organization can start listening to their dancers more."