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Fact #148905

When:

Short story:

Rebecca Ferguson confirms that she has turned down the invitation to sing at the inauguration of Donald Trump as President of the USA, because she would not be permitted to sing the song of her choice, Strange Fruit, about the lynching of black men.

Full article:

Rebecca Ferguson (official statement) : 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," her statement began. "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.

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.

We are here to love, not judge, or bring people down. I think love and standing firm in love against anything that separates us from each other, can heal us in these troubled times of unrest.

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. Take care and God bless xx.
(Source : official statement by Rebecca Ferguson)