Another Celeb Backs Out of Inauguration After Uproar

Jennifer Holliday apologizes to fans
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Jan 14, 2017 12:12 PM CST
Another Celeb Backs Out of Inauguration After Uproar
Jennifer Holliday performs at the 7th annual BET Awards Tuesday, June 26, 2007, in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)

Singer 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 Thursday's concert at Washington's Lincoln Memorial. Holliday said in a statement Saturday that she apologized for her lapse of judgment, for being uneducated on the issues and causing heartbreak for her fans, the AP reports.

Several prominent entertainers have declined to perform at Trump inaugural festivities. Country star Toby Keith and actor Jon Voight are in the lineup for Thursday's concert. Holliday's reversal was first reported by The Wrap. (More inauguration stories.)

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