Luke Bryan defends Ron DeSantis concert

kirkwilliamOctober 31, 2022

“I grew up in a country where if the governor came to help victims of natural disasters and asked if they could raise awareness, you would help.”

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October 31, 2022 • 12 minutes ago • Read in 3 minutes • join the conversation

Luke Bryan attends the premiere event of ‘American Idol’ hosted by ABC at The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel on February 12, 2020 in Hollywood, CA. Photo by John Kopaloff /Getty Images

Luke Bryan has broken his silence after outraging Twitter with his decision to take out Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at a concert in Jacksonville last week.

“I usually don’t react when I’m exhausted on social platforms, but this is the rule. I understand that Governor DeSantis is a very polarizing person. came to help the victims of natural disasters and asked if they could raise awareness, I grew up in a country where you help,” Brian wrote. social media posts.

and Video shared on TwitterBryan welcomed DeSantis on stage and told concertgoers “have a good time” and “raise some money tonight for the wonderful state of Florida.”

However, not everyone was happy with DeSantis’ appearance.

“He disappears from my playlist. It’s a shame. No more concerts, albums, Luke Bryan. I think he would be surprised at how many of my fellow Kentuckians feel the same way. ” 1 person tweeted in responseWhen add another“I had a suspicion @Luke Bryan and his political leanings. He was already on my list of artists, but for fear of putting my hard-earned money in the pockets of election deniers and democracy assassins, I decided not to buy the music. I refused. Thanks for confirming! “

“I’m honestly shocked! ” A third reviewer said“Can you sing ‘I believe you should never be ashamed of loving the people you love’ and then put a governor on stage who doesn’t say he’s gay?“

DeSantis, a possible 2024 presidential candidate, was controversial when he was governor of Florida. Earlier this year, he asked a group of children at his school not to wear masks during photo ops.

‘You don’t have to wear a mask,’ says DeSantis Said as he approached the podium. “I mean, take it off. Honestly, I’m not doing anything. This guy has to quit the COVID theater. So if you want to wear it, it’s silly.”

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DeSantis, who made headlines for sending immigrants to Martha’s Vineyard, also signed a “don’t say gay” law banning sexual orientation and gender identity education in kindergarten through third grade. .

in his statement, american idol Judge went on to add that he had “generally stayed out of politics throughout my career”, but admitted that he knew the appearance would cause “chatter”.

“But more importantly to me, with so many people affected by the natural disaster and people being nice to me, it felt right to be back there after a few weeks. did.”

DeSantis thanks Bryan for inviting him on stage. Saturday.

“Thanks @lukebryan for crashing the party last night!” said DeSantis.

DeSantis was not without support. As one social media user put it:It’s nice to know that there are still country music artists who are awake and unawakened.‘ added another.I always loved Luke, now I love him even more“

DeSantis spokesperson Christina Pushot was also quick to dismiss the critics.

“Reminder to all celebrities, businesses, etc… Twitter is not real” she tweeted“Haters may be loud and organized on the internet, but they’re actually a very small fraction of the population, especially here in Florida.”

mdaniell@postmedia.com