Once one of the most beloved voices in modern R&B, Chrisette Michele went from the top of the genre’s hit lists to the top of the public’s sh*tlist after she accepted the gig to perform at the 2016 presidential inauguration of Donald Trump.
Now, the songbird is singing a new tune as she reflects on the aftermath of the incident.
Recipient of a ferocious backlash for the incident, the GRAMMY winner was slammed by fans, critics, and peers alike for what many assumed was her alignment with Trump’s divisive views. What’s more, the singer’s fan base abandoned her – causing a quick decline in sales, concert opportunities, and – eventually – even the loss of her record deal.
Despite a slew of press appearances at the time to defend the decision, the damage proved irreparable – even now nearly 5 years later.
Taking to the popular YouTube series, ‘TERRELL,’ Thursday (June 10), Michele spoke candidly about the ‘cancellation’ and even admitted now she feels participating in the inauguration ‘was the wrong thing to do.’
Interview Highlights
Michele on Overall Feelings about Her Inclusion at Trump’s Inauguration (4:55 mark):
‘It was the wrong thing to do,’ she said before continuing, ‘I’ve never said it publicly…’
Michele on Why Other Black Acts at the Trump Inauguration Weren’t Canceled As Well (5:09 mark):
‘What was Travis Greene’s intention?’ she asked about the absence of rejection to the Gospel star’s performance at the event. ‘Because his album went to #1 [later].’
Michele on if She Regrets Doing the Inauguration (7:29 mark):
‘I don’t regret it, I learned a lot.’
Michele on Rumor She was Paid $750,000 to Sing at Inauguration (9:17 mark):
‘I did not do it for the money,’ she said before later continuing, ‘you don’t get paid to do political events as an American citizen.’ She went on to say, ‘that would’ve been really awesome but [it was nowhere near that].’
Michele on How Cultural Cancellation Put a Strain on Her Marriage and Led to Divorce (10:17 mark):
‘When I was canceled right, smack dab at the beginning of my marriage, it put a strain on my marriage,’ she said. ‘Now, as I emerge from the ashes, I am so comfortable in my skin.’
Michele on the Silver Lining of the Backlash (11:00 mark):
‘Hopefully, my recovery shows people that after misunderstanding and rejection there is evolution and you get to come back and do it again by the grace of God.’
*****
Click “PLAY” to watch the interview in full above.
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Chrisette is missing something in this interview when she questions why Travis skated away from the inauguration with a #1 album while her career got turned upside down. I think people just had a more personal connection to her as opposed to Travis, because they think of their lovers, heartbreaks and all those personal feelings when they hear her music. It was like another bad breakup when she decided to stand with Trump, and this time the one who messed up in the relationship was Chrisette. I think she still has a chance though to win people back.
So disgusting how leftists shamelessly ruin people’s lives just because of a different political opinion of their own. The dehumanization they did to Trump is so excessive. Biden is currently working against the LGBTQ+ community and no one is bothered.
You almost caused her to commit s****** just because she decided to appear at the inauguration of a democratically elected president.
It says a lot about the cult you belong to.
Well, THE TRUTH is, she “cancelled” herself. Back in the day I was a part of a team that booked her back in her prime, and at the end of the concert she didn’t even do a meet and greet with us. Not that it was asking for much but you’d think she would meet with people that just have her thousands of dollars for thirty seconds. Fast forward to now and her career is over.
Contrary to popular belief and the ignorant, as seen above, you don’t get “CANCELLED” overnight. It’s usually a drawn out process that the artists decide on their own. She knew the optics. These people aren’t dumb. Don’t cry foul or blame “liberals.”
It’s YOU.
*gave
I have a friend who met her randomly in a coffee shop in Philadelphia years ago. Maybe around 2015 or so. She said she was very icy and unapproachable…could you say the same thing too?
I’ m waiting and have been waiting for 5 years. Your words conveyed strength in you your interview with Tremell. Now put it on CD, or whatever media suits you! Much love to you my sister!