On Wednesday, it was confirmed that Grammy-winning singer Chrisette Michele will perform at Donald Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20.
On Thursday morning, the singer released a statement about her decision. "My heart is broken for our country, for the hopes of our children, for the fights of those who came before us," she wrote. The statement goes on to quote Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
https://t.co/lvG5EhBe6r | An Open Letter
Here's her full statement:
We Can't Be Present If We're Silent
"My heart is broken for our country, for the hopes of our children, for the fights of those who came before us.
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.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, 'Our lives begin to end, the day we become silent about what matters.'
I am here, representing you, because this is what matters."
—Chrisette Michele
#NoPoliticalGenius
Some people have criticized Michele's decision.
chrisette michele need to cash her check and quit the activist bullshit. just say you needed the paper. you getting fried either way.
.@ChrisetteM, singing at Trump's inauguration will not push Trump to suddenly value black people. He's chosen a sta… https://t.co/4aZJSXMRr2
Chrisette Michele after she seen that check for Donald Trump's Inauguration concert. 💵
@ChrisetteM And then it comes to me like an epiphany... You're over You're over ... We're leaving We're leaving
The Roots' Questlove even tweeted that he would pay her to not perform.
I'd pay Chrisette to NOT perform 😔
Rapper Talib Kweli jumped in, saying he'd chip in, too.
Hey @questlove @ChrisetteM I got 5 on it. https://t.co/WZXsdD31Fi
The news about Michele comes days after Broadway star Jennifer Holliday backed out of her decision to perform at Trump's inauguration.
Other confirmed performers throughout the weekend include Toby Keith, 3 Doors Down, and Tim Rushlow.
BuzzFeed News has reached out to Chrisette Michele's representative for a further comment.