Stars flock to Obama’s secret goodbye bash
UNITED STATES: A glittering array of Hollywood and musical stars flocked to the White House to honour President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, as part of their long goodbye to Americans.
Although the White House refused to issue details of the bash and banned guests from taking video or photographs, Sir Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, George and Amal Clooney, Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg and Robert De Niro were among those seen arriving on Friday evening (local time).
The musician and actor Nick Jonas posted on Instagram a photo of himself with Jonathan Tucker, his former co-star in the television series Kingdom, writing: ‘‘Straight off the plane to the White House.’’
Chance the Rapper shared a message on Twitter to boast of his invitation: ‘‘Bout to fly 21 hours to DC to bid farewell to the greatest president in US history. God bless you @Potus.’’
While Donald Trump has struggled to persuade big names to perform at his inauguration, the Obamas had no trouble mustering an A-list crowd, which also included Lena Dunham, George Lucas, Samuel L Jackson and Anna Wintour.
Many present had also joined Obama’s 55th birthday celebrations in August.
Last month, Obama told a young fan that they had been planning a farewell fete but that it would a ‘‘grown-up’’ affair. ‘‘We are going to have a big party before we leave office but, I’ll be honest with you, it’s going to be after your bedtime,’’ he said.
Friday night’s event was part of an extended farewell programme for the Obamas.
Last week, the president said goodbye to American troops and was awarded the Pentagon’s distinguished public service medal by his own defence secretary - to derision from the right.
On Tuesday, Obama will deliver a parting address from his home base of Chicago, an event likely to be eclipsed by an ongoing explosion of violence in the city, highlighted by the emergence last week of the sickening video of a mentally disabled white victim being abused by four black kidnappers.
Michelle Obama, meanwhile, delivered her final speech as first lady in the East Room hours before Friday’s party.
Trump has clearly been irked by the ability of his Democratic Party rivals to attract the stars.
During the closing days of the election campaign, Trump poured scorn on the singer Beyonce and her husband, Jay Z, who had performed at a rally for Hillary Clinton.
- Sunday Times