Jean-Franois Lise backtracks after congratulating the Tenors for changing O Canada lyrics

Parti Qubcois leadership candidateJean-FranoisLise is backing downaftervoicing his support for the Tenors' controversial rendition of O Canada during Tuesday's Major League Baseball All-Star Game.

• The Tenors blame 'lone wolf' for changing O Canada lyrics to 'all lives matter' at all-star game
• Black Lives Matter protests continue across U.S.

The Tenors' version inserted the phrase "All lives matter," and was the subject of backlash across social media. But Lise tweeted his congratulations Wednesday morning to the popular quartet group, saying "it is time to show our solidarity with victims of violence."

'I really blew it'

During the performance,Remigio Pereiraheld up a sign reading "All Lives Matter"and during his solo he sang: "We're all brothers and sisters. All lives matter to the great."

• How the Tenors struck out with O Canada at the MLB All-Star Game

The phrase "all lives matter" is often perceived as a rejection of the Black Lives Matter movement. It's widely seen as a way to diminish the issues black people face, especially after four recentpolice shooting deaths of black men in the U.S.

Liseinitially defended his words,tweeting that while he supports Black Lives Matter, he also feels for the slain Dallas police officers killed last Thursday.

Following a flood of criticism, Lise changed his tune within three hours and issued an apology.

"I really blew it about the Tenors! Sorry about that!" Lise wrote.

The leadership hopeful's tweets also stirred controversy last week, when he called out a rival in the race for wishing Muslims a Happy Eid.

• PQ leadership candidate called out for Happy Eid message

Tenors dismissPereira

The Tenors issued a statement shortly after the performance Tuesday night, saying that Pereira acted as a "lone wolf" to "serve his own political views."

• National anthem lyrics changed to 'all lives matter,' Remigio Pereira gets the blame

"The other members of the group are shocked and embarrassed," the Tenors said.

Tenor changes lyrics of national anthem at MLB All-Star Game

8 years ago

Duration 0:18

Remigio Pereira inserts 'all lives matter' during solo

The group tweeted Pereirawould no longer perform with themuntil further notice.