John Legend defends Haitian immigrants in Ohio after Trump’s bizarre claim, says ‘nobody’s eating cats’

SPRINGFIELD, OHIO: Pop singer John Legend has extended his support to the Haitian community in his hometown Springfield, Ohio after Donald Trump accused them of stealing and eating people’s pets.

The 45th president, without any proof, claimed on September 10 during the presidential debate, as per ABC News, “In Springfield, they're eating the dogs. The people that came in. They're eating the cats. They're eating -- they're eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is what's happening in our country. And it's a shame.”

Despite the moderator, David Muir, clarifying that “ABC News did reach out to the city manager there” and found out that “there have been no credible reports of specific claims of pets being harmed, injured, or abused by individuals within the immigrant community,” Trump did not step back.

John Legend defends Haitian immigrants after Donald Trump's bizarre claim

Now, John Legend posted a social media video, defending the Haitian immigrants.

He began, as per The Columbus Dispatch, “My name is John Legend, and I was born as John R Stevens from a place called Springfield, Ohio. Springfield, Ohio — you may have heard of Springfield, Ohio, this week.

“In fact, if you watch the debate, we were discussed by our presidential candidates, including a very special, interesting man named Donald J Trump.”

The 45-year-old pianist further explained, “Now, Springfield has had a large influx of Haitian immigrants who come to our city. Now, our city had been shrinking for decades. We didn't have enough jobs. We didn't have enough opportunity so people left and went somewhere else.

“But of late, during the Biden administration, there have been more jobs that opened up. So, we had a lot of job opportunities, and we didn't have enough people in our town of 60,000 people to fill those jobs.”

Legend then mentioned the process of how Haitians came to the US legally. 

He stated, “During the same time, there has been upheaval and turmoil in Haiti. The federal government granted visas and immigration status to a certain number of Haitian immigrants so they could come to our country legally.”

“Our demand in Springfield for additional labor met up with the supply of additional Haitian immigrants and here we are,” the ‘All of Me’ singer noted.

John Legend claims immigrants are 'hard-working and ambitious'

John Legend also pointed out issues a place and its residents face when a large number of immigrants shift.

“The bottom line is these people came to Springfield because there were jobs for them and they were willing to work. They wanted to live the American dream, just like your German ancestors, your Irish ancestors, your Italian ancestors, your Jewish ancestors," he said.

The record producer also did not hesitate to bring up “some facts about immigrants”, like “they are hard working".

"They are ambitious. They commit less crime than native-born Americans.”

“Nobody's eating cats. Nobody's eating dogs. We all just want to live and flourish and raise our families in a healthy and safe environment,” Legend asserted, before adding, “How about we love one another?”

Internet reacts as John Legend dismisses pet-eating rumors and defends Haitian immigrants

While many social media users applauded John Legend for his stance and defending the Haitian immigrants in Ohio, some people slammed him.

“The absolute arrogance of thinking that because you’re a celebrity your voice matters more than the people who are actually living it,” an X user tweeted.

The second user noted, “How about we send them to your gated community, John?? Will that be ok, John? Save me your fake Christian bs, unless they can come to your community, which will never happen!!”

The third user commented, “Hey @johnlegend where do you live now? Sure doesn’t look like Springfield. Sure doesn’t look like you have 15,000 Haitians on your front steps. Nice manicure, by the way.”

“John and his family should all move back to Springfield. He can be with his people,” the fourth user suggested.

The fifth one added, “When was the last time John Legend hung out in Springfield!!!! Ya Think he is out walking the dog at midnight looking for new Haitian neighbors he can invite over? Dude is always surrounded by security and has no idea what real life is.”

 

An individual said, “Tell John go to his hometown and live then. Instead of living luxury from world of communist, he support.”

Another individual added, “I don't turn the audio on for these celebrity firesides. I'm sure it's lovely & pointless, as they all are.”

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