The Rockettes Are Being Forced To Perform At Trump's Inauguration
President-elect Trump's transition team has figured out the solution to the lack of entertainers willing to perform at his inauguration: Force someone to do it.
The world-famous Radio City Rockettes will perform at the January 20 event, whether they like it or not.
Rockette Phoebe Pearl went on Instagram last night to share that she was “embarrassed and disappointed” about having to dance at the inauguration.
“I usually don’t use social media to make a political stand but I feel overwhelmed with emotion,” Pearl wrote.
“Finding out that it has been decided for us that Rockettes will be performing at the Presidential inauguration makes me feel embarrassed and disappointed.”
She explained that, especially given Trump's history of misogyny and allegations of assault, she was uncomfortable with the gig.
“The women I work with are intelligent and are full of love and the decision of performing for a man that stands for everything we’re against is appalling,” Pearl wrote. “I am speaking for just myself but please know that after we found out this news, we have been performing with tears in our eyes and heavy hearts #notmypresident.”
Reportedly, many of the Rockettes do not want to perform for Trump but they were told by their union they were not allowed to boycott the event, or risk being fired, according to Broadwayworld.com.
“Everyone is entitled to her own political beliefs, but there is no room for this in the workplace,” an email to dancers read. “If you are not full time, you do not have to sign up to do this work. If you are full time, you are obligated.”
The troupe most recently performed at the inaugural ceremonies in 2001 and 2005.
Also performing at the inauguration the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and 16-year-old America’s Got Talent contestant Jackie Evancho, who has been subject to criticism because she has a sister who is transgender.