Justin Bieber and Nick Jonas are showing their awareness that in a politically-charged year, making the choice to perform or even make an appearance associated with a particular political party involves more than making money. Both Bieber and Jonas just turned down offers of millions to play at Republican gigs, reported TMZ .
Although the two singers became objects of desire in the GOP party’s eyes, there was a difference in the offers of millions for a single concert. Insiders from Nick’s camp revealed that he received the chance to perform a free concert in Cleveland this month. The show was designed to show appreciation to Cleveland residents for hosting the Republican National Convention.
The opportunity would have provided Jonas with about $2 million, and the plan called for direct payment from a “private donor.” Apparently, Justin is worth more when it comes to the views of the GOP, which offered Bieber $5 million to perform at a concert near the Republican National Convention. The “Sorry” singer turned down the offer, as well.
But there’s another difference between the offers to Justin and Nick. Bieber’s team was informed that if he did choose to perform, “Black Lives Matter” banners were banned. Instead, Justin could play with “All Lives Matter” signage.
In contrast, Jonas’ camp was advised that the performance was viewed specifically as “an All Lives Matter” event. However, insiders told TMZ that Nick had a prior appearance scheduled at a Roc Nation event.
As for Justin’s reasons to turn down that $5 million offer, he had several key influences. Bieber’s manager, Scooter Braun, and professional basketball player LeBron James both persuaded him to just say no, reported Hollywood Life .
Braun is known as a supporter of Hillary Clinton. Consequently, he viewed that concert as a political event. Scooter initially attempted to persuade Justin to display a “Black Lives Matter” banner if he did decide to perform, but the Republicans refused that signage, as noted.
LeBron entered into the decision-making process when the Republican go-between informed Justin’s manager that James would play a role at the RNC. The promoter claimed that LeBron would be a greeter in terms of welcoming Republicans to his home town.
But when Bieber’s team checked the facts by talking with the basketball player’s management team, they learned that James was not going to be in Cleveland for the convention. Moreover, LeBron’s camp recommended that Bieber turn down the offer. Justin’s band, comprised of African-American men, also did not want to be involved in the Republican gig.
The performance , for which GOP donors would have paid $5 million, involved a 45-minute gig at the Quicken Loans Arena, where the Republican National Convention was held, according to the New York Daily News .
As for what Bieber himself feels about politics, he has stated that if Kanye West and Donald Trump faced off, he would vote for Kanye. However, Justin is Canadian and not eligible to vote in the U.S. election.
Justin’s manager, Braun, continued to showcase his backing for Clinton by turning to Twitter.
Who would u want to turn on the television for and let your children listen to? #StrongerTogether #ImWithHer pic.twitter.com/3V7hEifszY
— Scott “Scooter” Braun (@scooterbraun) July 29, 2016
However, before LeBron and Scooter influenced Bieber to turn down the offer, he “seriously considered doing it,” according to TMZ , which notes that the gig would have been “the biggest single payday ever for Justin.”
But Braun and the singer’s agency CAA were concerned about the political message that Justin’s appearance would send. Scooter gave Bieber the chance to make the decision for himself, but because he felt that the Republicans were trying to exploit Bieber, he warned that he would no longer represent Justin if he did the $5 million gig.
That threat, combined with having LeBron’s team urge Justin not to go, resulted in the refusal.
[Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP Images]
