Jewel Addresses Backlash
Jewel addressed the backlash over her appearance at Donald Trump’s inauguration event, stating she wishes to be a “ray of light in this world.”
The singer performed a surprise set at the Bake America Healthy Ball on Jan. 20, honoring Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the new president’s vaccine-skeptic choice to lead the Department of Health.
During the event, Jewel sang “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” prompting some fans to wonder if her participation signified an endorsement of Trump.
Mental Health Advocacy
In a video shared on Instagram, Jewel elaborated that she viewed her appearance as an opportunity to shed light on the nation’s mental health crisis.
“As many of you know, I am a mental health advocate,” she said. “If there’s one lesson I’ve learned over the last 20 years, it’s that mental health impacts everyone’s lives across party lines. I also spoke with the last administration and the Surgeon General about the mental health crisis our nation is facing. The statistics are grim.”
