All articles tagged with #political statements
UK rap duo Bob Vylan caused controversy by celebrating the death of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk during a concert in the Netherlands, following their previous protests and political statements, including demands for 'Death to the IDF.' The incident occurred shortly after Kirk's recent murder at Utah Valley University, which has sparked widespread reactions and criticism.
Irish-language rap group Kneecap performed at Glastonbury despite criticism and legal issues, including charges against member Liam Ó hAnnaidh. The band used their platform to support Palestine and make political statements, facing both praise and controversy. The festival featured other notable performances, with Kneecap's set sparking debate over free speech and political expression in music.
Rock singer Ronnie Winter of The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus announced that supporters of Donald Trump are not welcome at his concerts, citing his Christian beliefs and opposition to MAGA supporters, ahead of their performance at the NYS Fair.
President Trump paid tribute to fallen soldiers at Arlington on Memorial Day, while also making controversial political remarks on social media criticizing opponents, immigration, and judiciary, and diverging from traditional solemnity with personal and political comments during his speech.
Former U.S. soccer star Tim Howard criticized athletes like Christian Pulisic for performing the 'Trump Dance' and then denying political motivations. Howard argued that if athletes choose to make a political statement, they should stand by it rather than claiming innocence. Pulisic, who performed the dance after scoring against Jamaica, stated it was meant to be humorous and not politically charged. Howard expressed his disapproval of the dance, emphasizing that he wouldn't support or glorify someone he perceives as racist.
Lawmakers and their guests made political statements through fashion at Joe Biden's State of the Union address, with some wearing white for reproductive rights, red for Washington statehood, and yellow and blue for Ukraine. Former Representative George Santos, despite his controversial past, wore a bedazzled collar and a red pin in tribute to a murder victim allegedly killed by an undocumented immigrant. Marjorie Taylor Greene wore a "Say Her Name" t-shirt and handed Biden a pin in reference to the victim. Some Democratic lawmakers showed support for a Gaza ceasefire by wearing red-and-white lapel pins, while others wore Palestinian keffiyeh scarves and watermelon earrings to show solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
British rock guitarist Johnny Marr of The Smiths called out Donald Trump for using the band's music at his rallies, demanding that it be stopped. Marr joins a long list of musicians who have spoken out against Trump using their music, including Adele, Aerosmith, and many others. The Smiths' lead singer, Morrissey, previously criticized Trump in a 2017 interview. Marr has been vocal against right-wing politicians and previously forbade them from claiming to like The Smiths.
Ukraine's President Zelensky has been banned from addressing the audience at the Eurovision Song Contest, despite his request to make an appearance during the Grand Final on May 13th. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has always insisted that no political statements be made during the performances, and this extends to speeches beyond the music. As last year's winners, Ukraine has gone through automatically, along with host the UK, Italy, France, Germany, and Spain. Sweden is currently the favorite to win.