Jewel Says She Sang At Trump Inauguration Event To Advocate For Mental Health
Jewel is explaining why she thinks it's OK to cozy up to MAGA.
On Saturday, the Grammy-nominated folk singer, full name Jewel Kilcher, posted a video to Instagram in which she responded to fans who were disgusted by her decision to perform at one of President Donald Trump's inauguration events.
'Let's talk,' Jewel begins in the clip. 'As many of you know, I am a mental health advocate. If there's anything that I've learned in the past 20 years, it's that mental health affects everybody's lives across party lines.'
She goes on to say she 'reached out to the last administration' to discuss more advocacy for mental health, to no avail.
'If I wait to try until I agree 100% with the people that might be willing to help me, I'd never get off the bench,' she says. 'I don't think that's how activism works. Waiting until everything's perfect enough to participate ― it's actually because things are so imperfect that we have to find ways to engage and to participate, and we have to act now. We cannot wait another four years.'
'I believe there are people in the new administration that are willing to help on this issue,' the singer continues. 'I do not agree on all the politics, but if I can help shape policy, make sure mental health is in the conversation when it comes to American health, if I can help put resources or mental health tools into the hands of the most vulnerable who need it, I'm going to try, and I'm going to fight.'
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Jewel (@jewel)
Last week, fans of the 'Who Will Save Your Soul' singer were shocked when she delivered a surprise performance at the 'Make America Healthy Again' ball hosted by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump's nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
In a clip posted to X, formerly Twitter, Kennedy teases Jewel's appearance by telling the crowd they're in for 'a special treat.'
'About a week ago I got a call from a woman who is Cheryl's favorite musical artist in her whole life,' Kennedy says in the clip, referring to his wife, 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' alum Cheryl Hines, who is also on stage. 'And she said to me, 'I want to come and sing to the crowd tonight.''
Jewel takes the stage and thanks Kennedy for 'sacrificing so much to make America healthy again,' before launching into a cover of 'Over the Rainbow' — a song that she says 'sums up the hope that founded America, and that I think we're all feeling again.'
Considering that Kennedy has spread anti-vaccine misinformation and other conspiracy theories for decades, many of Jewel's longtime fans were outraged when clips of her inaugural performance began to circulate on social media. Many fans flooded the comment section of one of Jewel's latest Instagram posts — which shows her participating in a panel discussion about mental health and the role of artificial intelligence in wellness — to express their disapproval.
'Hanging out with RFK Jr but claiming to care about public health is next level hypocrisy,' one Instagram user wrote.
'How is YOUR mental health, Jewel, knowing you're supporting a movement that endangers lives and will only increase the despair and suicide rates among LGBTQ+ individuals?' another person commented.
'It's gross that you would lend your name and talent to celebrate that man and his vile, inhumane movement,' someone else wrote. 'Hope the check was worth it.'
Jewel posing with RFK… girl, who will save YOUR soul?
— Milo 🦷 (@computertooth) January 22, 2025
The pushback prompted Jewel to release her video on Saturday. In it, she acknowledged the political divide in the U.S. — and sympathized with both sides.
'Half of our country feels hope right now, and I honor that,' she said. 'And half of our country feels disenfranchised and scared and vulnerable, and that is unacceptable.'
She then apologized specifically to her fans in the wider LGBTQ community.
'I am so sorry that I caused pain, especially in my LGBTQIA+ community, because you guys are treasures,' Jewel said. 'You make the world a better place. You've made my life a better place, and I will not stop fighting.'
Trump has already signed at least one executive order that is negatively affecting the LGBTQ+ community.
In her video Saturday, Jewel implored her fans on both sides of the political spectrum to keep everything kumbaya.
'None of us can afford to stop fighting, and I really believe that the only way we change is in relationship,' she said. 'It isn't in isolation or by isolating, it's by being in relationship, by reaching out, by having hard conversations. And I really hope that we can push through our hurt and move toward understanding on both sides.'
Many people on social media didn't quite buy Jewel's rationale for aligning with MAGA. Below, you can see some of the responses to her statement.
Ah yes, 'so sorry for the pain'—right after the check cleared. Truly a heroic sacrifice to sing your heart out at a controversial event. What a heartfelt apology… or was that just another lyric? 🤣
— Nothing lasts forever! (@Nto79549105) January 27, 2025
I won't listen to anything she has to say. Anyone who performed, and does so in the future is an accomplice to this fascist regime that is causing havoc, and fear throughout our country. These performers are complicit, and normalizing this cruelty.
— Claire S🤍 (@SaintLaurant) January 25, 2025
It's cute how she thinks an administration that wants to eliminate health insurance, does warrantlessImmigration raids, treats women's rights like shit, and eliminates whole DEI departments somehow cares about mental health.
— Agent Orange 🍊 #fella (@altmaralago) January 25, 2025
This might be true in a normal transition of power but this isn't normal and should never be treated as if it were.
— Heather Beaven (@ElectBeaven) January 25, 2025
So…Jewel can suck rocks. Care about mental health soooo much, but preformed for a man who is going to dismantle the HHS with his INSANE views. Fuck all the way off. pic.twitter.com/kG6KiJt7yB
— allison (@Chickie819) January 24, 2025
Performing a song at an event isn't a seat at the table to discuss mental health policy issues. There isn't even a possibly here, so this reasoning makes no sense.
— TxTania (@TxTania) January 26, 2025
Need help with substance use disorder or mental health issues? In the U.S., call 800-662-HELP (4357) for the SAMHSA National Helpline.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Cousin Says His Vaccine Views Are 'Dangerous'
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Says Entire Departments Of The FDA 'Have To Go'
RFK Jr. Wants Federal Health Data So He Can Show Vaccines Are Unsafe, Trump Transition Co-Chair Says
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
18 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Kendrick Lamar & SZA's ‘Luther' Breaks Record for Most Weeks at No. 1 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart
After each individually holding the record, Kendrick Lamar and SZA combine forces to claim the longest-running No. 1 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart as their collaboration 'Luther' reaches an unprecedented 23rd week at the top. The crowning feat, on the list dated June 7, dates to the chart becoming the singular standard genre survey in October 1958. With its 23rd week at No. 1, 'Luther' breaks from the tie it set last week with Lamar's 'Not Like Us.' The Grammy-winning anthem scored 22 weeks in charge in 2024-25: 21 amid its summer 2024 run and its final frame this February following its much-discussed performance at the halftime show of Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9. Before that, SZA's 'Kill Bill' was the titleholder thanks to its 21-week domination in 2022-23. More from Billboard All the Guest Stars on Kendrick Lamar & SZA's Grand National Tour So Far Watch SEVENTEEN Bring the 'Thunder' to 'Kelly Clarkson Show' Performance 'This Is What You Asked For': Watch Linkin Park Star in Ice-Shattering Stanley Cup Final Promo For the historic 'Luther' coronation on the multimetric Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, the single registered 16.5 million official United States streams in the tracking week of May 23-29, according to Luminate (down 1% from the previous week's total), 57.5 million in airplay audience (down 5%) and 1,500 in sales downloads (up 7%). As 'Luther' rewrites the record books and Lamar and SZA claim gold, silver and bronze, here are the songs with the most weeks at No. 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart since its 1958 consolidation into a singular genre survey: Most Weeks at No. 1 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs: 23, 'Luther,' Kendrick Lamar & SZA, 2024-25 22, 'Not Like Us,' Kendrick Lamar, 2024-25 21, 'Kill Bill,' SZA, 2022-23 20, 'Old Town Road,' Lil Nas X feat. Billy Ray Cyrus, 2019 18, 'Industry Baby,' Lil Nas X & Jack Harlow, 2021-22 18, 'One Dance,' Drake feat. Wizkid & Kyla, 2016 16, 'Blurred Lines,' Robin Thicke feat. T.I. + Pharrell, 2013 15, 'Be Without You,' Mary J. Blige, 2006 The record secured, 'Luther' looks to a clear runway to keep extending its domination on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. The track has ruled for the last 15 consecutive weeks — its last time outside the top spot was when 'Not Like Us' rebounded after the Super Bowl — and has fended off the same No. 2 challenger, Drake's 'Nokia,' for the last 10 frames. Given the declining activity in all songs in the top 10 — the sole track gaining in activity this week 'Not Like Us,' at No. 6 — the most plausible scenario for 'Luther' surrendering the No. 1 rank soon is the strong arrival of a superstar's new single. Elsewhere, 'Luther' rolls to a 23rd week at No. 1 on the Hot Rap Songs, nearing the 26-week record for 'Not Like Us.' On the Billboard Hot 100, 'Luther' repeats at No. 5 after having ruled the ranking for 13 weeks in March-May, the longest for any song in Lamar or SZA's catalog. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Four Decades of 'Madonna': A Look Back at the Queen of Pop's Debut Album on the Charts Chart Rewind: In 1990, Madonna Was in 'Vogue' Atop the Hot 100
Yahoo
18 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Sylvia Rhone, Ciara & More Honored at Inaugural Black Women in Music Dinner
Epic Records chairwoman/CEO Sylvia Rhone being presented with the Vanguard Award was one of several highlights that took place during the inaugural Black Women in Music dinner, held Tuesday evening (June 3) at the Audrey Irmas Pavilion in Los Angeles. The Black Music Month fete also honored Grammy-winning artist Ciara, music executive Phylicia Fant, creative director/costume designer June Ambrose, media personality DJ Kiss and photographer/photojournalist Florence 'FLO' Ngala. Celebrating the global impact of Black women in the music industry, the dinner also served as the first fundraiser for its presenter, The Connie Orlando Foundation, which supports breast cancer prevention, care and research in Black communities. More from Billboard Sylvia Rhone: Billboard Women in Music's 2023 Executive of the Year Young Thug Recalls Getting 'Stood Up' By Mariah The Scientist on Their First Date BE:FIRST's 'GRIT' Debuts at No. 1, CANDY TUNE's 'BAIBAI FIGHT!' Breaks Into Top 20 on Japan Hot 100 As the first Black woman CEO of a major record label, Rhone accepted her award from Grammy- and Stellar Award-winning gospel powerhouse Yolanda Adams. In making the presentation to the industry trailblazer — also known as 'The Godmother of the Music Industry' — Adams said of Rhone, 'You are a beacon of hope and a powerful champion for change.' Grammy-nominated artist Normani presented the Avant Garde Award to Ciara, saluting the Grammy-winning singer/songwriter/entrepreneur as 'the blueprint for leveling up.' Emmy-winning actress Niecy Nash stepped onstage to honor hip-hop and R&B style pioneer Ambrose with the Guardian of Vision Award. 'She taught hip-hop how to wear its crown — and how to do it in a fresh pair of heels,' Nash remarked. Grammy-winning singer and actress Andra Day, alongside co-presenter/entrepreneur Lori Harvey, paid tribute to veteran music executive Fant (Warner Bros. Records, Columbia Records, Amazon) and her work in music marketing and advocacy for equitable representation. 'Phylicia has a deep understanding of how crucial Black artistry is to the future of business, and her work stands as a testament to this,' Day said. HarborView Equity Partners founder/CEO Sherrese Clarke Soares — also founding partner of Black Women in Music — gave out special Guardian Angel Spotlight awards to aforementioned culture-shapers DJ Kiss and Ngala. Citing Black Women in Music as a 'platform to reshape narratives around Black artistry and leadership,' Clarke Soares further commented, 'At HarbourView, we believe artists deserve more than just a seat at the table. They deserve ownership of their stories and the freedom to build their own.' In thanking the audience as well as the evening's supporters and sponsors, Orlando addressed the call to action needed to fight the breast cancer crisis affecting the Black community. 'It is a privilege for me to curate this event to give these extraordinary women their flowers, to shine a light on how vital they've been to global culture and to just say, 'Thank You,'' added Orlando who is also exec. vp/head of specials, music programming and music strategy at BET. The inaugural Black Women in Music dinner/fundraiser was hosted by actress and comedian Zainab Johnson with performances by Giveon, Alex Isley and YULI. Hip-hop icon MC Lyte voiced the tribute videos, while DJ Midi Riperton provided afterparty entertainment. In addition to The Connie Orlando Foundation and founding partner HarbourView Equity Partners, the event's prestige partners were BET and BET HER; contributing partners included Jesse Collins Entertainment, Flavor Unit, Quality Control, CMG, Epic Records, Atlantic Records, OWN and Universal Music Group. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Axios
23 minutes ago
- Axios
Democrats more likely than Republicans to boycott brands, new survey
Why it matters: These murky expectations highlight the complicated environment businesses are currently operating in. What they're saying: "Businesses need to understand how their brand aligns to current issues and the values that matter to their customer base," says Mallory Newall, vice president at Ipsos. "Brands cannot please everyone, and wading into the political fray does not come without risk. It needs to be done in a strategic way. However, there are potential upsides if companies have a clear understanding of who they're talking to and who their customers are. Those who act inauthentically will lose ground in this environment," she added. State of play: There's a disconnect in what consumers say and what they do. 53% of Americans say they are less likely to buy from a company that takes a stance they don't agree with, but only 30% actually do. Between the lines: A company's political or social stances influence Democrats more than Republicans, per the survey. Democrats are more likely to boycott (40%) than Republicans (24%), but they are also 2x more likely to go out of their way to support a brand that aligns with their values. Target is the latest American corporation to grapple with these boycotts, following its retreat from diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Of note: Boycotting is a luxury afforded to those with disposable income, per the survey. Households with incomes of $100k and above are 50% more likely to stop buying from a company they disagree with than those households making $50k and below. What to watch: 67% of Democrats say they are closely tracking how companies respond to pending Supreme Court decisions, compared to 52% of Republicans. There is more appetite across party lines for business commentary on economic issues — like inflation and trade policies — than other policy issues. The bottom line: "The data suggest that Democratic consumers are much more likely to actually follow through on the threat to withhold or reduce spending when they disagree with brands during this era of complete GOP control," says Matt House, managing partner at CLYDE.
