Former British X Factor contestant refuses Trump inauguration
A former runner-up of the British X Factor has refused to sing at Trump’s inauguration.
Rebecca Ferguson, who came second on the TV talent competition in 2010, has said she won’t perform at the event.
The soul singer had revealed she was invited to perform previously.
The singer had said she would be willing to sing for the 45th POTUS, but on one condition.
She would only perform if she could sing Strange Fruit, originally recorded by Billie Holiday in 1939.
The song is about the discrimination of black people in the US, and had been banned.
The singer said in a statement: “There are many grey areas about the offer for me to perform that I’m unable to share right now, but I will not be singing.
“Due to circumstances beyond my control concerning the offer to perform at the Inauguration Concert, I was thrown into the middle of a political arena last week.
“I wasn’t comfortable with the song choice made on my behalf, and although I’m very blessed to have a gift that gives me amazing opportunities, as a mother and an artist, I had to defend my stance.
“That is why I made the decision to sing Strange Fruit when I was invited.
“I requested to sing Strange Fruit as I felt it was the only song that would not compromise my artistic integrity and also as somebody who has a lot of love for all people, but has a special empathy as well for African American people and the #blacklivesmatter movement, I wanted to create a moment of pause for people to reflect.”
Charlotte Church has also refused to perform at the inauguration on January 20.
