Jewel apologizes to fans following the inauguration events performance

Jewels Had a heartfelt message for fans who were upset by her decision to perform during one of the president’s Donald TrumpInauguration events.

“As many of you know, I’m a mental health advocate,” Jewel, 50, said in a video shared via Instagram on Friday, January 24. “If there’s anything I’ve learned in the last 20 years, it’s that mental health affects everyone’s lives across party lines.”

The singer, who performed in Robert F. Kennedy Jr.The ‘Make America healthy again’ inaugural ball on Monday, January 20, went on to claim that it “reached out to the last administration,” referring to the former president Joe Bidenand spoke to the “Surgeon General about the mental health crisis facing this nation.”

“I believe there are things we can do to save lives,” he continued. “I believe I can help. I have to try. And if I wait to try until I agree 100% with the people who might be willing to help me I’ll never get off the bench – I don’t think that’s how activism works, waiting until everything perfect enough to participate. This is really because things are so imperfect that we have to find ways to engage and participate. And we must act now. We can’t wait another four years. “

Jewel faced harsh criticism from many of her fans – including members of the LGBTQ+ community – for taking part in the event. In the same Instagram post, he spoke directly to those fans.

“Half of our country feels hope right now, and I honor that. And half of our country feels disenfranchised and scared and vulnerable, and that’s unacceptable,” he said. “And I am so sorry that I have caused pain, especially in my LGBTQI+ community because you are treasures – you make the world a better place. You have made my life a better place. And I won’t stop fighting. None of us can stop fighting. “

Jewel’s appearance on Monday at the inaugural event was apparently a surprise gift for Kennedy’s wife, Cheryl Hines – The singer was not included on the list of performers for the 2025 inauguration events.

“I got a call from a woman, who was Cheryl’s favorite musical artist in her entire life, and she said to me, ‘I’m going to come and sing for the crowd tonight,'” Kennedy, who previously ran for president in 2024, told suspended his campaign and endorsed at the time, candidate Trump told the crowd. “We have a special treat. Please, welcome to em. “

Then Jewel, who was not publicly endorsing either candidate in the 2024 presidential election, took the stage.

“I’m happy to be here,” he said. “I want to thank Bobby for sacrificing so much to make America healthy again. To start treating us like we are a whole man. We are a physical, mental and emotional body. “

In her Instagram post, Jewel said she believes “there are people in the new administration who are willing to help” on the issue of mental health.

“I don’t agree with all the politics, but if I can help shape policy and ensure that mental health is in the conversation in terms of American health, if I can help put mental health resources or tools in the hands of the most vulnerable Who needed, I’m going to try,” he continued. “I’m going to fight.”