By Jasmine Washington
Original Dream Girls star Jennifer Holliday wants no parts of the public outrage and slander that emerged following her decision to perform at president-elect Donald Trump’s forthcoming inauguration. After a lengthy chat with The New York Times clearing up her stance on possibly performing, Holliday quickly pulled out of the inauguration all together.
The Broadway legend called her initial decision to perform a “lapse of judgement” and revealed that her decision to forgo the inauguration festivities came after she read a post explaining how devastating her performing at Trump’s ceremony would be to her LGBT fans. A longtime supporter and activist for the LGBT community Holliday explained that she was, “uneducated on the issues that affect every American at this crucial time in history and for causing such dismay and heartbreak to my fans.”
Clarifying her stance, Holliday continued, “My only choice must now be to stand with the LGBT Community and to state unequivocally that I WILL NOT PERFORM FOR THE WELCOME CONCERT OR FOR ANY OF THE INAUGURATION FESTIVITIES.”
Acknowledging her LGBT fans and the role they’ve had in her career, Holliday concluded, “Please know that I HEAR YOU and I feel your pain. The LGBT Community was mostly responsible for birthing my career and I am deeply indebted to you… You have loved me faithfully and unconditionally and for so many years you provided me with work even though my star had long since faded.”
While Jennifer Holliday has since pulled out of the inaugural events, Lee Greenwood and Toby Keith are standing firm in their decisions to perform Donald Trump’s inauguration.
As celebrities gear up for Donald Trump’s, watch VH1 stars say farewell to President Obama inauguration.