Jennifer Holliday backs out of Trump inauguration performance
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Actress and singer Jennifer Holliday poses for a photo during an interview in New York.
NEW YORK >> Broadway star Jennifer Holliday has backed out as a performer at next week’s presidential inaugural, saying she did not realize that her participation would be interpreted as a statement of support for President-elect Donald Trump.
Holliday, best known for her Tony-winning role in Broadway’s “Dreamgirls,” faced pressure from her gay, lesbian and black fans when it was announced she would sing at a Thursday concert at Washington’s Lincoln Memorial.
Holliday said in an interview today that she decided not to participate at 3 a.m. after reading commentary about how the decision was being seen. She apologized for a lack of judgment.
“It just really hit home for me,” she said. “The gay community has big part of my life and my career. I feel there really wouldn’t be a Jennifer Holliday or a ‘Dreamgirls’ in the 21st Century without them. I needed to at least hear them out and learn why it would be such a great disappointment for them.”
Reading what was being said about her was painful, she said.
She said other black people slammed her with insults such as “Uncle Tom” and other racial epithets. “I had no idea it would be interpreted as a political statement.”
Don't miss out on what's happening!
Stay in touch with top news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It's FREE!
Several prominent entertainers have declined to perform at Trump inaugural festivities. Country star Toby Keith and actor Jon Voigt are in the lineup for Thursday’s concert.
Holliday’s reversal was first reported by The Wrap ; the publication obtained a letter Holliday wrote to her fans. In an interview Friday with the AP, she said she had seen her performance as singing for people at the Lincoln Memorial, not singing for Trump.
The celebrity wattage for Trump’s inaugural festivities doesn’t rival that of President Barack Obama’s inaugurations, which attracted top names including Beyonce, Bruce Springsteen, U2, Alicia Keys, Kelly Clarkson, Eva Longoria and Jennifer Hudson, among others. But Trump has insisted that’s how he wants it, saying the swearing-in festivities should be about the people, not the A-list stars.
84 responses to “Jennifer Holliday backs out of Trump inauguration performance”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Who cares?
Donald boy cares…he’ll probably start twittering her now…that’s about the best he can do when things don’t go his way.
Twitter or not, the inauguration is a complete distraction from the alarming FACT that outgoing President Obama just deployed 4,000 troops to Poland for the first time since World War II!
@ lew4543
Not yet…does PE Trump even know…
BTW who dat?
January 20 #MAGA
Who’s J. Holliday any way. Besides, letting others influence your “judgment” means you have no judgment at all. Which also means, who cares if you didn’t come.
The inauguration should be boycotted by all moral thinkers. Trump is unacceptable and unpleasant.
and elected. Get over it.
Why should Allie “get over it”? From what I’ve seen since being a subscriber, few people here “got over” Obama’s election, complaining about absolutely everything he did, from the clothes he wore, to his vacations, to where his daughters went to school — you just couldn’t give it a rest, could you? So tiresome. Sad! If you’re not interested in what a commenter has to say, why not just scroll past it?
Irt Allie, For your mental and emotional wellbeing do not watch the inauguration. Hate to see you jump. Or, maybe not.
Aww les…don’t be mean….play nicely and give allie a hug. Go on…escort her to a safe place that’s not scarey.
@ Tita Girl
Scary just escorting her.
Why do you people continue to refer to this MAN as a female, her or she???? Do you not know that Allie is a male???? Also HE has been claiming to be a UH student since 2008 on blogs. I suspect Allie is a paid MALE flamer (paid by the SA) because HE bring in a lot of impressions that their sales team uses in order to boost distribution stats.
get over it again, and again, and again… the election is over. who said pleasant is part of any leader’s job description? leaders lead, friendly or not. it’s the results that matter.
I agree with that. Will you agree that if the stock market rises to 25000 under the Donald with unemployment remaining under 5% he has to be considered a success. But if the dow falls to under 15,000 and unemployment rising back up to 10%, he would have to be considered a failure?
Boots, you seem to stuck in the same gear. For your health, move on. It will be ok, wait and see.
Irt boots. His boots is stuck in the swamp past his ears.
Allie,I will not watch it. Nielsen ratings is the first thing trumpf looks at. Just don’t watch it. WOF,Wheel of Fortune.
Got my VCR set up for the WHOLE DAY via FNC!!!
Replaying the WHOLE THING forever & ever!!!
btw…what did O do with his Greek columns…saving them for his library?
6 days til #MAGA happens
Nanakuliboss, good idea. I wouldn’t want to see a grown man cry. You might get distraught and jump. If you do let Klastri and Allie know. Mass jump?
I agree with Allie that she deserves a front row seat. She love the Donald!
Is she a mahu?
Who is she anyway?
Are you a mahu?
Who are you anyway?
How many times have you appeared in an on-Broadway production? Oh. OK then.
He could always get Bozo The Clown and Mr. Ed to perform.
At least they are better looking, LOL.
Both are dead, but dragging their lifeless corpses on stage would be lots more entertaining than the pitiful lineup of performers(?) at Trump’s inauguration. LOL
Good one.
Sounds more like you are talking about the Clintons. Donald Trump is the headliner and the main attraction. A couple country stars is all that’s needed to kick off the show. Should be a great event and it’s free for everyone not only the liberal whiners..
Let’s friggen move on and review what the new administration did do or not do after 2 years or so. I’m eagerly waiting to see more money in my paychecks from the promise stated in reducing our taxes.
Even though I totally opposed his election, I’m also for giving him a chance. However, so far he’s done just about zero to inspire any kind of confidence that he’ll show more ethics, integrity, or even common decency, let alone an aptitude for realistic policy. If he at least showed that he could be a little bit “presidential,” I think it would ease many more minds that he could succeed for the country.
Don’t be surprised if your tax reduction is more than offset by various extra or new fees, I still remember papa Bush who pledged no new taxes but within week sof assuming office was proposing new and increased user fees, of course he didn’t refer to them as taxes.
You are absolutely correct.
Yup Just like the past eight years. Nothing new here.
Under his current proposal millions of families — especially those with single parents — might pay more under Trump’s plan because in addition to hiking the lowest income tax rate, he’d also get rid of personal exemptions and head of household status.
In fact, his plan calls for three tax brackets, the lowest is at 12%. And that is more than the lowest tax brackets currently in effect. Check out your current tax rate and compare it to what is being proposed, hope you are not disappointed.
Yes, I’ll keep on it Nomu and will raise hell if it isn’t so.
Jon Voight is trying to be relevant.
Very few gave Trump a chance. Most thought Clinton was a shoe in. They all jumped on her campaign. Well, the best laid plans got blown up to hell. Voight was a believer.
This is a sad commentary about the hate of the far left, and the intimidation they place on anyone who dares to disagree or is not in lock step with their hateful positions. Liberals should be ashamed about how they are using Gestapo tactics to intimidate good Americans in participating in one of the most basic elements of American culture, the inauguration of the new President of the United States.
Well said Maipono… a very sad commentary on the Left… but a clear picture of them preaching one thing and doing the exact opposite. Sad.
And that’s what they are, HYPOCRITES!
Well, the right would’ve done the same if a D had won, so what’s good for the goose is good for the gander. Don’t understand how most people will even be able to watch, since it’s on a weekday.
Trump’s left with The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Rockettes, some second place talent show hack, and Toby Keith. Lamest lineup EVER.
“Trump has insisted that’s how he wants it, saying the swearing-in festivities should be about the people, not the A-list stars.” There you go, Trumpie, repeat that in your head until you believe it. LOLOLOL
Hard to get A liners when they hosed millions down the sewer. No surprise here.
What did the “A-List” performers get Sec. Clinton????
Right, born LOSER, its about “the people”. We don’t need the stars or the glamour. Its you losers the ones who seems to care about WHO is there. The presidents job is to serve “the people”, and yes, we do believe it. Want some whine with that?
You will see that the contest runner-up will be the most talented performed there. I wouldn’t be surprised if more entertainers agree to perform by mid-week.
invite monica. seat her in the same row as clinton, or perhaps right in front of them.
that should provide all the entertainment needed for the swearing-in ceremony.
Only if you’re an unkind person. And who’d devote so much energy into being unkind?
“unkind”, really, like how the losers are constantly whining about about Mr. Trump.
Un-like the Democrats who can only draw a crowd by booking A-Listers, Trump does it on his own. Wake up America their is a new Sheriff in town so either get on board the Trump train or pack your bags. Can not wait to see our Country back on top and one that the rest of the world looks up too not one that is laughed at and taken advantage off due to incompetent leadership. MAGA
The Trump train has only a locomotive and a caboose. Nothing in between.
Zing.
The whiners, criers and poor frustrated losers are left at the station-
holding their pathetic protest signs. BTW, would be nice to see English written on the signs so Americans can understand what is being protested. Sorry, I’m not Latino, Mexican or Middle Eastern. Last I heard we live in America and speak English.
The crankshaft in the engine is quite stubby. The caboose, on the other hand…
IRT:DDO At least its a train that is moving unlike the Democrats that ran out of steam and derailed.
Looks like Michelle’s sister.
Sure looks like a man in drag to me, and she-it does have a lot of homosexual friends.
Michelle is her brother. Shhh
Have Donald sing the national anthem all by himself; watch the tears flow.
And the ears bleed.
The media still conducting the war against Trump.
Eff the “stars”. Go out into the community and find young Americans to perform. THEY are the future of our country. Not only will it be more meaningful, but it will give the youths a memory of a lifetime.
Who cares? Never heard of her. Just another so called celebrity with no backbone. Don’t have any entertainment. That’s not what people will watch the inauguration for. All those A-listers didn’t make Obama better president. Instead, we got the worst president ever. So all that crap means nothing. Just have Jackie Evancho sing a few songs, Trump gives his speech, done. Short and sweet. Jackie is a 16 year old girl with more guts than all those celebrities put together.
Not a Trump supporter by no means, but what a bimbo. If you are singing for the President, how could you not interpret it as support in some way. Did she think it was good pub to accept this gig and thats it? So if the gig was for KKK, but in front of Nation wide cameras she would not make the connection? Space cadet.
Because one may respect the Office of the President while not respecting the person. That’s why.
Apparently not this particular performer…
Who is Jennifer Holliday and why is this news. Who cares.
Maybe Chump can get the ku klutz klan to do a song and dance for him!
It’s a little late in the season (not that he’d notice), but I suggest “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas”.
He’d probably say that he’s going to change the dates of Christmas just because!
DILLIGAF??
What’s wrong with supporting the incoming POTUS? Despite all our differences shouldn’t we rally behind the new leader of the country and hope he does well? And yes of course hold his feet to the fire if he does not hold ou best interest. The man has not yet started in the job and already the people who are so worried about discrimination are already discriminating against him. Open up your eyes people!
The blind leading the blind
yoga, great post, thank you for nailing it.
I guess if you’re gay, lesbian, or black, then you’re expected to be part of the collective and can’t behave or think as an individual. If that’s the case, I’m sure glad I’m not gay, lesbian, or black.
We want Chachi!
Who is this guy ? No backbone !
I’m trying to figure out where all these traitors were on Election Day. Something doesn’t add up.
Jon “Midnight Cowboy” Voight? Talk about star power; I’m booking the next flight out!
“Holliday, best known for her Tony-winning role in Broadway’s “Dreamgirls,” faced pressure from her gay, lesbian and black fans when it was announced she would sing at a Thursday concert at Washington’s Lincoln Memorial.”
so she was bullied by those clamoring for tolerance, inclusion and respect.
nice.
Well, if we didn’t know who she is we do now! Trump sure is responsible to make know the unknowns otherwise they would still be known only within a small circle of people! They should thank him for their new found standings!
Trump is a LOSER!!! I hope he gets impeached right away!!!
Dream on, you’re the loser
“impeached”? Then that would make Pence president. Would it? Liking that one.
Jennifer who?