Because nothing says mental health advocacy like performing at an inaugural ball that sparked a nationwide side-eye.
Jewel, the queen of heartfelt ballads and acoustic guitar strums, found herself in hot water this week after serenading the crowd at Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” Inaugural Ball. Yep, you read that right—she sang “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” for RFK Jr., the man with a reputation for anti-vax rhetoric and health-related conspiracy theories. Naturally, the internet did what the internet does best: it exploded.
The Apology Tour
In a video posted to Instagram, Jewel defended her decision while simultaneously apologizing to her fans—especially the LGBTQIA+ community. “You guys are treasures,” she said, adding, “I’m so sorry I caused pain.” Pain? Jewel, you didn’t just cause pain; you sent your fanbase into a full-blown existential crisis. Somewhere, a rainbow is weeping.
Mental Health Knows No Politics
Jewel explained her reasoning: “Mental health affects everybody’s lives across party lines. 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.” Fair point, Jewel. But maybe next time, choose a bench that doesn’t double as a conspiracy theory soapbox?
She went on to emphasize that she doesn’t align with all of RFK Jr.’s politics but saw this as an opportunity to push for mental health policy. “If I can help shape policy, make sure mental health is in the conversation… I’m going to try and I’m going to fight,” she said. Admirable? Sure. Awkward? Absolutely.
Fan Fallout
The backlash from fans was swift, with many questioning why an artist with such a compassionate reputation would perform for someone like RFK Jr. In response, Jewel admitted, “I am so sorry that some of my longtime fans feel I’ve let them down.” She added that activism requires action even when things aren’t perfect. Fair enough, but performing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” at a ball for a guy who platforms questionable science? That’s a tough sell.
Jewel’s LGBTQIA+ Shoutout
Perhaps the most heartfelt part of her statement was directed at the LGBTQIA+ community. “You guys are treasures. You make the world a better place,” she said. And while it’s a lovely sentiment, some fans couldn’t help but feel it rang a little hollow in the context of the event.
What’s Next for Jewel?
While Jewel’s intentions may have been noble, the optics of this performance are, to put it mildly, messy. Will she bounce back? Probably. After all, this is the woman who taught us all to “save our souls” and gave us the ultimate cry-in-your-car soundtrack. For now, though, the rainbow she’s chasing might need a little damage control.
#StaticLiveMagazine, #StaticLiveMusic, #ElectricWebServices, #Jewel, #RFKJr, #MakeAmericaHealthyAgain, #MentalHealthMatters, #FanBacklash, #MusicAndActivism, #LGBTQIACommunity, #SomewhereOverTheRainbow, #SingerApology, #PopCultureDrama, #StaticScene, #MusicControversy, #MentalHealthAdvocacy, #ActivismGoneAwkward, #RainbowMess, #RockAndRollWisdom, #MusicNews
