ABC/Lorenzo Bevilacqua(NEW YORK) — A Radio City Rockette is stomping mad that the famed dance troupe has been selected to perform at the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.
In a post that’s gone viral — thanks in no small part to celebrities who are in the anti-Trump camp retweeting it — dancer Phoebe Pearl tapped out a blistering Instagram message about the event.
“I usually don’t use social media to make a political stand but I feel overwhelmed with emotion. Finding out that it has been decided for us that Rockettes will be performing at the Presidential inauguration makes me feel embarrassed and disappointed.”
Pearl said allegations made against Trump that he had been inappropriate with women — which reached a fever pitch before the election, but have since vanished from the headlines — led to her taking a stand.
“The women I work with are intelligent and are full of love and the decision of performing for a man that stands for everything we’re against is appalling…I am speaking for just myself but please know that after we found out this news, we have been performing with tears in our eyes and heavy hearts #notmypresident.”
BroadwayWorld.com reported that the Rockettes were informed by their union that the dancers couldn’t “boycott” the event, as some supporters of Pearl’s were advising.
“Everyone is entitled to her own political beliefs, but there is no room for this in the workplace,” the union cautioned, according to BroadwayWorld, adding, “If you are not full time, you do not have to sign up to do this work. If you are full time, you are obligated.”
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and 16-year-old former America’s Got Talent contestant Jackie Evancho are also confirmed to perform. Trump has also tweeted that he doesn’t care about having A-list performers at the event.
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