Beyonce Petition Removed From White House Website
A petition that asked for singer Beyonce Knowles to be “disinvited” from performing at the inauguration on Monday has been booted by the White House.
The multi-platinum recording artist is expected to belt out the “The Star-Spangled Banner” on January 21 during the inauguration ceremony. According to Forbes, one individual took offense to the singer’s inclusion in the festivities. The singer’s $50 million Pepsi contract has apparently rubbed a few people the wrong way.
The White House petition against Beyonce was created by producer and author Laurie David. Since the singer’s contract with the sugary soda manufacturer seems to be conflict of interest with Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” campaign, David doesn’t think she’s the right choice to sing at the inauguration.
A spokesperson for the White House said the removing Beyonce from the list of scheduled performers isn’t something they have control over. All of the selections were reportedly made by the Presidential Inaugural Committee as opposed to the White House.
The spokesperson said:
“Since the Presidential Inaugural Committee is a whole separate entity that handles the Inauguration … the White House doesn’t control who is singing at the inaugural ceremony.
The petition was removed from the website because it did not “address the current or potential actions or policies of the federal government.”
Politico reports that Laurie David wrote a piece on The Huffington Post regarding Beyonce’s involvement in the ceremony.
The author explained:
“Beyoncé’s Pepsi deal was a serious lapse of judgment. And the White House tarnishes its own ‘brand’ by unwittingly boosting the beverage industry. It’s time to end the hypocrisy, admit the mistake, move Beyoncé from the line-up to the guest list, and replace her with someone who’s not affiliated with any product that’s sickening millions of America’s kids.”
Are you a fan of Beyonce? Do you think she should be allowed to perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the inauguration ceremony?
