In a brief statement on Friday, American singer Jewel discussed why she chose to play at the Make America Healthy Again movement’s inauguration ball.
The ceremony was hosted earlier this week in honour of President Donald Trump’s choice for secretary of health and human services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
“If there’s anything that I’ve learnt in the past 20 years, it’s that mental health affects everybody’s lives, across party lines,” the singer of “Who Will Save Your Soul,” said after introducing herself as “a mental health advocate” in a video that was uploaded to her verified Instagram.
“I think I can help, and if I think I can help, I have to try,” Jewel said.
“Furthermore, I would never be able to leave the bench if I waited to try until I was completely in agreement with the people who might be willing to assist me. Waiting till everything is ideal before getting involved isn’t how activism operates, in my opinion. In actuality, we must figure out how to participate and engage because things are so flawed.”
Regarding Trump’s immature second term, the Grammy nominee went on, “We cannot wait another four years. Although I disagree with all the politics, I think there are people in the new administration who are willing to help with this issue. If I can influence policy, ensure that mental health is discussed when it comes to American health, or assist in providing resources or mental health tools to those who are most in need, I will try and fight for it.
“Half of our country feels hope right now, and I honour that,” she said, referring to the political polarisation in the US following the election, while “half of our country feels disenfranchised and scared and vulnerable, and that is unacceptable.”
“I sincerely apologise if I have disappointed some of my devoted fans,” Jewel remarked.
She said, “You guys are treasures, and I am so sorry that I caused pain, especially in my LGBTQIA+ community. You improve the state of the world. You have improved my quality of life. And I’m going to keep battling. We cannot afford to stop fighting, and I firmly think that relationships are the only way for us to change. Being in a relationship, reaching out, and having difficult conversations are more effective than isolating or being alone.”
Days after winning the election, Trump declared that he would appoint Kennedy, a well-known vaccine sceptic and former US presidential candidate, to head HHS in November.
