Chrisette Michele Opens Up About Inauguration Performance: ‘I Don’t Mind These Stones’
Chrisette Michele, who was under fire from fans yesterday after it was reported that she'll be performing at Donald Trump's inauguration, has released a statement via her blog.
She titled the post, "We Can't Be Present If We Are Silent" and proceeded to try to explain why she's going to perform at the inauguration of a man who, over the past year has alienated, insulted and offended people of color, women, homosexuals and the disabled.
"My heart is broken for our country, for the hopes of our children, for the fights of those who came before us," she wrote. "I cry at the thought that Black History, American History might be in vain. This country has had great moments. God has shined His light upon us. Today, I hope that Great Moments begin in peaceful & progressive conversation. I am willing to be a bridge. I don't mind "These Stones", if they allow me to be a voice for the voiceless. I am here."
She then proceeds to even quote Martin Luther King, Jr.
"Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, 'Our lives begin to end, the day we become silent about what matters,'" she wrote. "I am here, representing you, because this is what matters."
It's unclear why Michele believes that performing at Trump's inauguration "represents" the people. Needless to say, "the people" weren't feeling it... at all. From Questlove, who offered to pay the singer not to perform (Talib Kweli had $5 on it) to fans expressing outrage, confusion, disappointment and just plain defeat at her decision, Michele's decision sparked a wave of backlash, and her out-of-touch statement didn't do much to make anything better.
Meanwhile, Janelle Monae and Maxwell will be in D.C. too, performing at the Women's March on Washington, while Beyoncé hinted that she might be in attendance, supporting the event in a Facebook post.
I am honored to join this critical movement to bring justice and equality to all," Monae said in a statement about her involvement in the march. "Music has always been a powerful tool for galvanizing unity and I believe that singing and standing together, our voices will be stronger than any force that tries to repress us."
That's how you "represent" the people, Chrisette. At any rate, you can read Michele's full statement here.