Spike Lee won't use Chrisette Michele over inaugural gig
By Associated Press
Jan 19, 2017 12:50 PM CST
FILE - In this Aug. 2, 2016, file photo, singer Chrisette Michele performs for President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and his wife Ho Ching, in the State Dining Room of the White House during a state dinner in Washington. The New York Daily News...   (Associated Press)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Spike Lee says he won't be using Chrisette Michele's music in an upcoming project because of her decision to perform at President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration.

Michele seemed to allude to the controversy Thursday on her blog , where she wrote: "We can't be present if we're silent." She says she hopes for "peaceful & progressive conversation." She adds that she doesn't mind criticism if it allows her "to be a voice for the voiceless." She used the hashtag NoPoliticalGenius.

Lee wrote on Instagram that he was sorry Michele was performing at the inaugural. He says he was considering using Michele's "Black Girl Magic" in his upcoming Netflix series, "She's Gotta Have It" but won't anymore.

Michele's spokesman confirmed to The Associated Press that she will be performing Friday.