Luke Bryan responds to Twitter outrage after bringing Ron DeSantis on stage

Country music star Luke Bryan has defended his decision to invite Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on stage at a show on Friday after the move sparked backlash on social media.

Bryan invited the Republican governor to appear on his show in Jacksonville, Florida, as part of an effort to help raise funds in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian which devastated parts of the state last month. last.

“We’re going to have fun and we’re going to raise money tonight for the great state of Florida,” Bryan said on the show before hosting DeSantis. As the Governor took the stage, the audience greeted him with loud cheers, with video of the concert shared on Twitter.

Following the Governor’s appearance, the singer and american idol the judge received a backlash.

“Luke Bryan probably has fans who have had an abortion, or a family member who has. He probably has fans who are members of the LGBT+ community. Who are immigrants. Who are BIPOC. He clearly doesn’t no respect for any of them,” Twitter user Zevi L wrote in a post that has been liked nearly 14,000 times.

“Damn it, Luke Bryan,” user Callum Edwards wrote. “I know I shouldn’t be shocked, but as a lifelong fan, I can’t help but be completely disappointed. As a gay man, it really hurts to see him come out – and campaign effectively for – the governor who introduced the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill. Heartbreaking.” The post received over 30,000 likes.

DeSantis has come under fire for signing the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill earlier this year. The policy prevents subjects such as sexual orientation and gender identity from being taught to the state’s youngest students. The law provoked a major backlash from LGBTQ advocates, who said it was intended to silence the community. Proponents of the legislation, however, say young children should not be taught about sexuality-related topics at school.

In a statement posted online Sunday, Bryan said he understands DeSantis is “a very polarizing figure.”

“But I grew up in a country where if a governor asks you if he can come and raise awareness to help the victims of a natural disaster, you help. I’ve generally stayed out of politics throughout my career. I knew people would gossip about it but for me the most important thing was If I were to come back there a few weeks after a large portion of the population was affected by a natural disaster in a state where the people have been good to me, it just felt right,” added Bryan.

Some defended him after he released his statement.

“So many people in Florida need help and relief and people are trying to throw rocks and shade at a good man doing the right thing! I’m with @lukebryan,” the personality tweeted. of television Michael Waddell.

“The vicious and exaggerated comments that prompted this gracious post from @lukebryan show how the left’s most consistent attitude is hate – explosive hate towards anyone who disagrees with his radical agenda,” tweeted Steven Law of the Senate Leadership Fund, a super PAC that backs GOP candidates.

Others, however, continued to criticize the country star. “Just curious. What other governors did you have on stage after a #disaster a few days before midterm….. @lukebryan? Also, if you really wanted to help… donate proceeds from the concert to the victims of Hurricane! Your statement is BS!” tweeted author Shane Jordan.

Newsweek contacted the DeSantis press office for comment.