Who would you project as the most likely musical acts to play President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration? Proud self-groping hunting enthusiast Ted Nugent? A sophisti-pop outfit fronted by Scott Baio? Knighted English music legend Elton John? That last bit isn’t a typo. A Trump aide has claimed that the “Someone Saved My Life Tonight” singer has been lined up for such a thing.
Eyebrows were raised to ceiling-damaging levels when Trump transition team member Anthony Scaramucci made the bold claim during an appearance on BBC HARDtalk. Scaramucci presented the newly elected president as the first true champion of gay rights and used the argument of Elton John playing the event as bonus evidence of this stance. Considering Trump’s previous interactions with the LGBTQ2 community, this proclamation was met with healthy skepticism.
.@realDonaldTrump transition team member Anthony @Scaramucci says his boss supports gay rights and Elton John will play the Inauguration pic.twitter.com/mEyPZ5ZVZj
— BBC HARDtalk (@BBCHARDtalk) November 22, 2016
“This will be the first American president in U.S. history that enters the White House with a pro-gay rights stance,” claimed Scaramucci. “Elton John is going to be doing a concert on the Mall for the inauguration.”
It might have helped to contact Elton John first before using his name as a shield against policy criticism.Pitchfork took that step and reached out to Sir Elton’s camp which prompted a denial.
“This is incorrect. Elton will not be performing at Trump’s inauguration,” explained a rep.
Stranger things have happened (including with recording megastars in relation to Trump), but an Elton performance would be a surprising change for Sir Elton. He was visible at fundraisers and events supporting Trump’s opponent Hillary Clinton. The arena-packing performer referring to Trump as a “barbarian” earlier this year also suggests Scaramucci has been ill-informed, is talking out his ass or is being hung out to dry on what would be a stunning reversal in John’s public persona. Your take on the matter may vary.
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