Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Rockettes’ owners say attendance at Trump ceremony is a choice
The Radio City Rockettes will be dancing at President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration Jan. 20, but not everyone is kicking up their heels at the booking.
One of the famed dancers took to Instagram to say she was “embarrassed and disappointed” by the gig, triggering calls for a boycott by some on social media. Critics have posted the phone numbers of the dancers’ union and the Rockettes’ employer to urge complaints.
But Madison Square Garden Co., which employs the dancers, said Friday no dancers are being compelled to attend the event.
“For a Rockette to be considered for an event, they must voluntarily sign up and are never told they have to perform at a particular event, including the inaugural. It is always their choice. In fact, for the coming inauguration, we had more Rockettes request to participate than we have slots available.”
Autumn Withers, a former Rockette, supported a boycott, saying “take a knee, ladies!”
Meanwhile, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir announced on its website Thursday that the volunteer choir will sing at the ceremony.
The Beach Boys also confirmed Thursday that they’ve been asked to perform at the inauguration. A spokesman said the group, which has a busy January schedule, has not decided yet.
Earlier this month, Trump’s inaugural committee announced that “America’s Got Talent” star Jackie Evancho will be singing the national anthem at the ceremony.