Singer Jewel responded to outraged fans for performing at President Donald Trump’s Department of Health and Human Services secretary nominee, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” inauguration ball.
In a social media post on her Instagram account, the singer said on Friday that she is “so sorry” for causing pain to her LGBT fans.
“I am so sorry that I caused pain,” she said in the video. “Especially in my LGBTQIA+ community because you guys are treasures. You make the world a better place. You’ve made my life a better place. And I will not stop fighting. None of us can stop fighting.”
The “You Were Meant for Me” singer tried to explain that she has been working in mental health advocacy and she believed in having relationships where “hard conversations” can happen.
“I really hope that we can push through our hurt and move toward understanding on both sides,” she continued.
The singer said it pained her that she let fans down and she hopes to be “a ray of light” in their lives.
She shared that she has been a longtime “mental health advocate” and believes that “mental health affects everybody’s lives across party lines.”
“I reached out to the last administration, spoke with the surgeon general about the mental health crisis that’s facing our nation. I don’t know if you guys know the stats, but it is bleak,” she added.
“If I wait to try until I agree 100% with the people that might be willing to help me, I’d never get off the bench. I don’t think that’s how activism works, waiting until everything’s perfect enough to participate,” the singer explained.
In her social media post, she wrote, “We need people from all walks of life joining together to advocate for mental health and other critical issues, so we can find a way forward together.”
Fans responded with harsh commentary for the singer despite her request to “be kind to one another in the comments.”
“There is nothing you can say to justify your choice or explain this to me. I am deeply disappointed by your decision,” one Instagram user said.
“You sold out. You bowed down to fascism, and your justifications ring untrue because this administration is actively hurting those you say you are supporting,” another fan reacted.
Another Instagram user responded, “So donate all that money you were paid to the LGBTQ+ since you’re so regretful.”
Other fans called her a “grifter.”
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The singer performed “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” last Monday at Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” ball following Trump’s second inauguration.
Kennedy’s wife, actress Cheryl Hines, was seen at the ball tearful in reaction to Jewel’s performance and embraced the singer after.