Jewel apologizes for ‘letting down’ fans as she explains decision to perform at RFK Jr’s inaugural ball

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Singer-songwriter Jewel explained her decision to perform at an Inauguration Day ball honoring Robert F Kennedy Jr while saying that her devotion to solving the country’s mental health crisis defies political party lines.

Jewel performed 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' at Kennedy Jr's Make America Healthy Again ball in Washington, DC on Monday, January 20. Kennedy Jr, a vocal vaccine skeptic, was picked for secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services under President Donald Trump's second presidency.

Jewel's decision to perform at the ball was not taken too well by her fans.

Jewel apologizes to fans for performing at RFK Jr's inauguration event

Jewel shared a video on her Instagram on Friday, January 24, where she apologized to her fans who felt let down by her actions, but explained that she would rather not wait to act until an administration with which she "agrees on all the politics" was in the White House, according to People.

She said, "As many of you know, I am a mental health advocate. If there’s anything that I’ve learned in the past 20 years, it’s that mental health affects everybody’s lives across party lines."

The singer added, "I reached out to the last administration, spoke with the surgeon general about the mental health crisis that’s facing our nation. I don’t know if you guys know the stats, but it is bleak."

Jewel added that she believes there are things she can do to save lives, and therefore she feels the need to help, per the outlet.

"If I wait to try until I agree 100% with the people that might be willing to help me, I’d never get off the bench. I don’t think that’s how activism works, waiting until everything’s perfect enough to participate," she said in her video.

She further mentioned that "things are so imperfect" that people have to find ways to engage and participate.

"And we have to act now. We cannot wait another four years," said the 'Foolish Games' singer.

Jewel also mentioned that she thinks there are people in the new administration "that are willing to help on this issue" even though "I do not agree on all the politics".

Jewel said she was sorry for the "pain" caused to any fan by her decision. "I am so sorry that some of my longtime fans feel that I let them down," she said.

The singer addressed her fans in the video, "You’ve made my life a better place. And I will not stop fighting. None of us can afford to stop fighting, and I really believe that the only way we can change is in relationship."

"It isn't in isolation or by isolating, it's by being in relationship, by reaching out, by having hard conversations, and I really hope that we can push through our hurt and move toward understanding on both sides," she continued.

Jewel further said, "I want to be a ray of light in this world. I try hard to be a ray of light in your lives. I know that in times of darkness, we must grow light, and so I will wake up again tomorrow and try again. And I will count on each of you to do the same."

Jewel performing at RFK Jr's inauguration event divides Internet

Several social media users criticized Jewel's decision to perform at Robert F Kennedy Jr's Make America Healthy Again ball in Washington, DC on Monday, January 20.

A user wrote on X, "Time to delete all my jewel songs off my playlist. The selling out is at an all-time high."

Another added, "Jewel still has fans?"

A person stated, "Jewel has no character What a pushover."

Another mentioned, "She just lost more real fans. Shame on her."

A user also wrote, "Let’s not act like entertainers do anything unless it’s for money or PR", while one commented, "What a loser she is."

A user remarked, "Another singer with no backbone."

Despite facing harsh criticism, many Jewel fans supported the singer after she uploaded the video on Instagram explaining her decision to perform at the event.

A user noted, "Celebrities still have a right to their own political views, opinions, and religious beliefs…no apologies should be warranted."

 "People need to grow up. Support who you want, period," said another.

A person stated, "Still a fan, she is a talented performer", whereas one mentioned, "Bravo. She's on the right side of history. The rest will learn eventually."

A user wrote, "Thank you for standing by your beliefs. No need to defend performing at the ball. It's your right to do so", while one commented, "And that's the right attitude that many are missing. Finding common ground. That's how things actually get done. That's how we come together instead of get divided."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.