Garth Brooks — was declining the Inauguration event a snub or no?
Entertainment Weekly reports, Country star Garth Brooks has shed some light on why he won’t be performing at Donald Trump’s inauguration this week after previously indicating he was open to the idea.
The singer-songwriter explained in a Facebook video Monday that the popularity of his current tour will preclude him from participating in the swearing-in ceremony.
Responding to a slew of fan questions as part of his Inside Studio G series, Brooks confirmed that he was approached by casino mogul and inauguration organizer Steve Wynn about taking part in the event, and “left it up to karma.” When Brooks’ ticket sales dictated that three additional Cincinnati concerts would be added to the two already on the calendar, he found himself unavailable for Trump’s welcome party.
…In his Facebook video, Brooks said, “I’m going to tell you, with this whole presidential thing: We’ve got one going out, pray for him and his family. And for the president going in, pray for him and his family to guide this nation. Let’s stay together. Love, unity, that’s what it’s all about.”
He added, “In the immortal words of Martin Luther King, the most durable thing that we’ve known is love. It will always be that way. Again, can’t thank the Obamas enough for serving this country, and may God hold Trump’s hand in the decisions that he makes in this country’s name as well.”
Read more: Allen B West
Is he trying to play it safe and keep fans on both sides happy? Maybe.
Is it ‘just business’? Maybe.
Maybe he saw how they treated Andrea Bocelli.
But what’s clear is the blind 58-year-old won’t be taking part any more, apparently on the advice of his security team.
A source told Mail Online: ‘Andrea is very sad to be missing the chance to sing at such a huge global event but he has been advised it is simply not worth the risk.’ –Metro
We’ll probably never know for sure.
