Singer Jewel recently addressed critics who felt let down by her decision to perform at an inauguration event for President Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of health and human services. In a video posted to her Instagram account, Jewel introduced herself as a mental health advocate. She emphasized the importance of mental health across political lines.
“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,” she stated. Jewel explained her decision, saying, “I believe I can help, and if I believe I can help, I have to try. And if I wait to try until I agree 100 percent with the people that might be willing to help me, I’d never get off the bench.”
She added, “I don’t think that’s how activism works, waiting until everything’s perfect enough to participate.
It’s actually because things are so imperfect that we have to find ways to engage and to participate.”
Referring to Trump’s new term, Jewel said, “We cannot wait another four years. I believe there are people in the new administration willing to help on this issue.
Jewel addresses backlash over decision
I do not agree on all the politics, but if I can help shape policy, make sure mental health is in the conversation when it comes to American health, and help put resources or mental health tools into the hands of the most vulnerable who need it, I’m going to try, and I’m going to fight.”
Jewel recognized the country’s political polarization post-election. She said, “Half of our country feels hope right now, and I honor that,” while “half of our country feels disenfranchised and scared and vulnerable, and that is unacceptable.”
Addressing her long-time fans, particularly within the LGBTQIA+ community, Jewel expressed her regret. “I am so sorry that some of my longtime fans feel that I let them down.
I am so sorry that I caused pain, especially in my LGBTQIA+ community, because you guys are treasures. You make the world a better place. 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 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.”
Her comments come after Trump announced his intention to nominate a noted vaccine skeptic and former US presidential candidate to lead the health department in November, days after winning the election.
