Rebecca Ferguson Pulls Out of Performance at Trump Inauguration

British singer Rebecca Ferguson confirmed that she will not perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony on Jan. 20.

Ferguson agreed to perform on the condition that she be able to sing “Strange Fruit” — a 1930s civil rights anthem protesting racism and the lynching of two black men, Thomas Shipp and Abram Smith, in Indiana in 1930. The song was made famous by Billie Holliday, and has since been performed by Nina Simone and Annie Lennox.

In an official statement, Ferguson wrote, “I requested to sing ‘Strange Fruit’ as I felt it was the only song that would not compromise my artistic integrity and also as somebody who has a lot of love for all people, but has a special empathy as well for African American people and the #blacklivesmatter movement, I wanted to create a moment of pause for people to reflect.

“I believe talent is a gift that should be used to heal the wounds of this world and make the world a better place to live in.

“As music is so powerful, I wanted to try and help educate the people watching of where division and separation can lead to if not corrected. My aim was not to cause contention.”

She added, “There are many grey areas about the offer for me to perform that I’m unable to share right now, but I will not be singing. However, I genuinely wish your nation nothing but love.”

Ferguson rose to prominence in 2010 when she placed second in Britain’s The X Factor.

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