A Mormon Tabernacle Choir singer who quit the ensemble over its planned performance at President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration doubled down on her decision in an interview with CNN on Tuesday.
“This goes far beyond any past inaugural situation. I am seeing very similar parallels of fascism,” Jan Chamberlin told Carol Costello before reaffirming her withdrawal from the choir. She also said she doesn’t regret using harsh words in a Facebook post announcing the decision, which precluded her from appearing to support “very vile practices and positions” by performing.
“This is my personal view: I love my church leaders and I love my religion,” Chamberlin said. “I totally understand the position of the church and the choir — they are goodwill ambassadors,” Chamberlin said.
Mormon choir member who quit rather than sing for inauguration, warns of facism, compares Trump to Hitler https://t.co/URQ4jQDiiL
— CNN News Central (@NewsCentralCNN) January 2, 2017
Last week, Chamberlin resigned from the group to avoid performing at Trump’s inauguration, saying she “could never look myself in the mirror again with self-respect.”
“It is with a sad and heavy heart that I submit my resignation to you and to Choir. I’m am praying that Jesus will help me get through this email before I totally break down,” Chamberlin wrote in a resignation letter obtained by The Salt Lake Tribune and eventually posted on Facebook.
As TheWrap first reported, Trump’s team is struggling to book A-list performers for his inaugural festivities, with two talent bookers saying they were offered ambassadorships if they could deliver marquee names. The inauguration team has its sights set on top-tier talents like Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars, Katy Perry and Aretha Franklin, and is willing to pay steep fees for the performers.
Several high-caliber performers have already publicly rejected requests to take part in the Jan. 20 festivities, including Celine Dion, Garth Brooks, Elton John and operatic singer Andrea Bocelli.
Chamberlin’s letter went on to say, “I only know I could never ‘throw roses to Hitler.’ And I certainly could never sing for him.”