Jazz Shaw:
There was no shortage of Hollywood and music industry types who were lining up to declare that they would boycott the inauguration of President Donald Trump. (A welcome development among many in the circles where I travel.) After their unexpected failure to convince the Electoral College not to carry out their duty, they turned their attention to depriving the new President of their “talents” at the big event. Still, there was plenty of entertainment and the entire affair went off rather nicely, even if a few small riots made things unpleasant several blocks from the parade route.
One singer, however, has learned the hard way that you don’t cross the elite in the entertainment world without paying a price. Grammy winning artist Chrisette Michele performed at one of the balls last night, reportedly receiving $250K for her efforts and an international audience. But that’s not all she got. She also received what amounted to a pink slip from Spike Lee who was reportedly “considering” using her music in an upcoming project.
Director Spike Lee has revealed he was considering using a song by Grammy winner Chrisette Michele in an upcoming project but has decided not to following her decision to perform at the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.
Lee confirmed the news on Instagram stating he wanted to use “Black Girl Magic” in the upcoming She’s Gotta Have It series which is based on his 1988 film of the same name.
Michele stepped in as a performer following the news that Andy Grammer had backed out – just one of quite a few.
What a shame. Now I probably won’t wind up watching the highly anticipated Netflix series, um.. what was it called again? Oh, right. “She’s gotta have it.” Pity. I’m sure it will be simply riveting. But was this even a job? All Spike Lee is saying is that he was “considering” using some of her music. If that was a done deal then I’d imagine there would already be a contract in place and a lawsuit might be coming up. Or was this just a case of the director wanting to take a shot at her for performing in enemy territory so he’s claiming to pull a job that didn’t really exist?
Either way, it’s not as if Michele didn’t have warning that some backlash was coming from the we just want to love everyone crowd. BET issued an open letter to her at the last minute warning that there was trouble coming.
So, I’m guessing you haven’t noticed what a bootleg roundup Donald Trump has. You could fill a stadium with all the entertainers who turned him down. If for no other reason, I would imagine you’d have more respect for your career than to perform for his inauguration when so many of your contemporaries have steered so far away — including musicians you’ve worked closely with!
Why would you want to align yourself with an event that couldn’t even book a Bruce Springsteen cover band? Are you that hard up for a gig? I can’t imagine it will be worth the backlash from your core fans. At this point, I’m sure you’ve seen the response to the news. It’s not pretty. I think they call it “being dragged” over on Black Twitter.
Most of Trump’s supporters don’t know who you are. And that R&B set you’ve reportedly been asked to perform is going to be a snack break. Not a good chance you’ll bring in many new fans — and you’re going to lose many of the faithful ones you have.
Yes, these are the compassionate people on the Left who make up much of the entertainment industry. If you sway from the groupthink and dare to try to build some bridges – or even simply take a well paying job with an unapproved group – you shall be punished mightily.
Remember Hollywood’s reaction to McCarthyism and black lists? Like all other left wing “principles”, the value of those principles depends upon how they are used politically.
Suuuuure he was.
Joe McCarthy was right all along about these commie scumbags and the news media who conspired against him were all soclaists ratholes
If you asked Curt who this lady was three weeks ago, Curt would scratch his head and say “what, who?”.
Now Curt complains that Spike Lee tries to practice his faith and deny providing services to someone whose lifestyle he disagrees with.
If there weren’t double standards, conservatives wouldn’t have any……
@PhillipMarlowe:
Wait… what? I thought this was forbidden?
Double standard indeed, and the left created both ends of it. Now, for the cycle to be complete, some wealthy conservative would bankroll an agenda to drive Spike Lee out of business, ruin him financially and pummel him with physical threats.
First, conservatives don’t use left wing fascist tactics. Second, it is difficult to shame a liberal among those who don’t have any principles and all support suppressing the rights of anyone that strays off the plantation.
@Bill- Deplorable Me: make up your mind, Billy.
Is it ok to discriminate based upon your religious convictions? Curt and you seem to say it’s ok to discriminate against gay couples but you can’t if you are Spike Lee.
PS Dis Spike Lee say it is necessary for the government to forbid discrimination that is based upon religious convictions?
@PhillipMarlowe: It IS OK to refuse to participate in something that goes against ones religion. Recall that there was not a case of refusing to SERVE anyone gay, but a refusal to be a member of the party or make something they found morally repugnant.
Of course, the left went apoplectic. However, if a liberal in good standing fails to tie the liberal line and be as prejudiced and bigoted as the other little liberals, the left has no issue with blacklisting that person?
The hypocrisy is not on our side… it’s all yours, baby. Personally, I hope all you liberals blacklist each other.
@Bill- Deplorable Me: s I thought, no evidence just the same deluded alternative reality.
Dream on baby.
@PhillipMarlowe: I see you are channeling your inner AJ. Good luck with THAT.