Bruce Springsteen canceled his North Carolina show on Friday in protest of the state’s new anti-LGBT law. To recap, this law determines which restrooms transgender people can use, and overrides anti-LGBT discrimination ordinances. In deciding not to stop in North Carolina, Springsteen wrote, “Some things are more important than a rock show and this fight against prejudice and bigotry — which is happening as I write — is one of them.”
Now the Boss has made an enemy in a conservative politician from North Carolina by doing so. According to The Hollywood Reporter, freshman congressman Mark Walker had a lot to say about Springsteen’s boycott, namely that he’s now a Justin Bieber fan. “I’ve never been a Bieber fan, but I might have to go. Maybe artists who weren’t ‘born to run’ deserve a little bit more support,” Walker said.
Also, Def Leppard is coming to North Carolina, so take that Bruce! And Mark Walker understands your right to be on the “radical left,” but you exercising your freedom of expression is a “bully tactic.”
It turns out Walker has a lot of opinions on Springsteen, which I’m sure the legendary musician cares about. For instance, he also condemns Springsteen for recently singing “Fortunate Son” at a Veterans Day concert. And he thinks that without the controversial anti-LGBT law, sexual predators will have a field day going into whatever bathroom they want.
But what I really want to know, Mark: What’s your favorite Justin Bieber song? (Mine is “Where Are U Now” but I’m also partial to “Love Yourself.”)
(via The Hollywood Reporter)