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# tissues and issues
Charlotte Church turns down offer to sing for 'tyrant' Trump
Meanwhile, Rebecca Ferguson has explained why she wanted to sing Strange Fruit at the inauguration.
CHARLOTTE CHURCH HAS taken to Twitter to explain why she won’t be performing at Donald Trump’s inauguration as US President later this month.
The Welsh singer, who was a classical star as a child before branching into pop music, said she turned down an offer to take part in the show because Trump is “a tyrant”.
Meanwhile, X-Factor runner-up Rebecca Ferguson has confirmed she won’t be performing at the inauguration on 20 January either.
Earlier this month, Ferguson said she would perform if she was allowed to sing Billie Holiday’s Strange Fruit – a song about racism and the lynching of African Americans.
In a statement released today, Ferguson said:
“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.
I believe talent is a gift that should be used to heal the wounds of this world and make the world a better place to live in. As music is so powerful, I wanted to try and help educate the people watching of where division and separation can lead to if not corrected. My aim was not to cause contention…
“I’ve a lot of love for the United States. It’s a constant source of inspiration to myself, if not the whole world. I genuinely wish you all well and hope I will still get to sing Strange Fruit for you one day.”
Trump has denied allegations his team are finding it difficult to get acts to perform at his inauguration.
The Rockettes, America’s Got Talent singer Jackie Evancho and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir are among those slated to take part.
Last month, the Rockettes’ owners denied a claim the famous dance troupe was being forced to perform at the event.
Read: Rockettes’ owners deny dancers are being forced to attend Trump inauguration
Read:Jeff Sessions says he’d be a fair Attorney General and defy Trump if necessary
