Donald Trump Inauguration update: Jennifer Holiday backs out as she doesn't want to be associated with 'heartbreak or sadness'
In just a couple of days President-elect Donald Trump will officially assume office with his inauguration. However, even at the very last minute, another tipped performer in iconic singer Jennifer Holliday backs out from the gig joining countless of acts pulling out or even just flat out denying their involvement.
In an exclusive question-and-answer feature with Billboard, the "Dream Girls" star explains her decision of bailing out from singing for the said occasion after she already agreed to do so. As it turns out, a heartfelt letter that was sent to her did the job in putting everything into perspective of just how big of a thing it is for someone like her to partake in Trump's gathering.
"I thought about it and about 3:00 a.m., after someone sent me an email of an article from The Daily Beast from the gay community. I read that and it really struck home with me. The gay community has been so faithful and good to me," she revealed. "That [letter], because of the way they structured it and to give me insight on what was really going on with them and their fears and their concerns about what their fate will be now, that got me right at the heart."
Holliday also did not hide the fact that she drew flak after she confirmed her appearance in Trump's inauguration party. Citing even those who share the same heritage as her commenting bad things about her decision which she says was "very frightening and very alarming and overwhelming."
"I don't want my name to be associated with heartbreak or sadness thinking that I'm in support of something, when I'm just thinking that I was just singing a song," the 56-year-old belatedly added summarizing the reason for her backing out.
Previously, Holliday explained her reason for accepting the gig as something normal to her given that she had performed for previous Presidents including the Reagans, the Bushes (father and son) and the Clintons regardless of political affiliation. Interestingly, she also did not vote for the upcoming 45th head of state as she personally chose his rival, Democrat Hillary Clinton back in November's national polls.
"I'm not singing for Donald Trump; I'm singing to welcome the people of America. He cannot be the only face that's gonna represent us," she reasoned out initially when she confirmed her appearance last week.
President-elect Donald Trump's Inauguration will be held on Friday, Jan. 20, on the West Front of the United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.