Pop star Jewel defended her surprise performance on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Make America Healthy.
Jewell stood up to her decision to perform at the inaugural event in a video posted to Instagram on Friday, saying she did it to promote activism around mental health issues. However, she also offered an apology to those who were offended by her appearance, including gay fans.
“I believe I can help. And if I believe I can help, I have to try,” she said. “And if I wait to try until I'm 100% in agreement with people who might help me, I'll never get off the bench. I don't think that's how activism works. Waiting until everything is perfect enough to participate.”
she continued. I can't wait another four years. I think there are people in the new administration who are willing to help on this issue. ”
Jewell said she would put aside her political differences with the Trump administration to continue her activism.
“I don't agree with all the politics, but when it comes to American health, if I can help shape policy, if I can help put resources and mental health tools into the hands of the most vulnerable, Make sure health is in the conversation. Who needs it and I'm going to try and I'm going to fight,” she said.
“And I understand that my words were overly simplistic. Half of our country feels hope right now. I respect that. And half of our country feels hopeful right now. I feel disenfranchised, scared and vulnerable. That's not acceptable.”
In the video, Jewel apologized to those she may have offended, including the LGBTQIA+ community.
“I'm sorry for causing any pain, especially in the LGBTQIA+ community, because you are a treasure. You make the world a better place. You made my life a better place,” she said.
As reported by Breitbart News, Jewel appeared at the Make America Healthy (Maha) Ball last week and declared himself a fan of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. while expressing hope for America's future.
A viral video from the ball showed Gems performing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
