Jennifer Holliday Backs Out of Trump Inauguration Concert

WASHINGTON, DC — And I'm telling you she's not going. Broadway legend Jennifer Holliday has backed out of a Lincoln Memorial performance Thursday as part of a celebratory concert for Donald Trump's inauguration. Holliday apologized to the LGBT community in a statement Saturday announcing she would not attend the event.

On Friday, the Presidential Inaugural Committee announced the lineup for the free event, including Toby Keith and 3 Doors Down, along with Jennifer Holliday. The reaction from longtime Holliday fans was swift — questioning the performance for a presidential ticket that includes Vice President-elect Mike Pence. Among other actions, the former Indiana governor was a proud defender of a controversial "religious freedom" law that was eventually amended to protect the LGBT community after national outrage and high-profile boycotts of the state.

"For the gay community that has bolstered Holliday’s, in her own words, embattled and difficult career and cheered on her recent successes, the news feels like a betrayal. It is heartbreaking," wrote Kevin Fallon at The Daily Beast — a commentary that Holliday reportedly cited as a reason for her change of heart.

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In a letter to TheWrap.com, Holliday said she thought the performance would be a unifying, patriotic gesture — she has performed during several past inaugural events. This time, she says she'll stand with her gay fans, instead.

“Please know that I HEAR YOU and I feel your pain," she wrote. "The LGBT Community was mostly responsible for birthing my career and I am deeply indebted to you… You have loved me faithfully and unconditionally and for so many years you provided me with work even though my star had long since faded.”

The show will certainly go on. The announcement of the free concert at the Lincoln Memorial has been updated to remove Holliday's name and add additional high-profile performers, including The Piano Guys and Lee Greenwood.

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