Trump demands apology over ‘ Hamilton’ slight
President- elect Donald Trump demanded an apology Saturday from cast members of the Broadway hit Hamilton after his VP- elect was booed at a performance and told the new administration must respect the US’ racial, cultural and socials diversity.
Trump complained the cast had been rude to Mike Pence and harassed him during the late Friday performance.
“This should not happen!” TrumpT tweeted. “Apologize!”
On Twitter, # BoycottHamilton was quickly the top trending hashtag.
Critics taking part in the onlineo debate said the cast were arrogant “liberals” who had no right to insult the VP. Defenders ridiculed the idea of boycotting the show, noting it is sold out for months.
The wildly popular hit musical, which won 11 Tony Awards in June, follows young colonial rebels who became the US’ founding fathers, celebrating diversity and immigrants’ contributionsc to the nation.
The show’s lead actor, Javier Munoz, is openly gay, HIV positive and a cancer survivor.
Brandon Victor Dixon, who playsp Vice President Aaron Burr,B read a statement to Pence during the curtain call that echoed some of the main concerns critics have voiced since the Republican firebrand won the election on November 8.
Thanking him for attending the performance, Dixon asked him to “hear us out.”
“We, sir, we are the diverse America who are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us, our planet, our children, our parents or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights, sir,” Dixon said.
“But we truly hope this show has inspired you to uphold our American values and work on behalf of all of us.”