Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Donald Trump inauguration: R Kelly responds to rumours that he'll perform

It is unknown whether the R&B musician was invited

Jacob Stolworthy
Friday 13 January 2017 04:33 EST
Comments
(Getty Images for BET)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The latest celebrity to distance themselves from the ceremony, however, is R&B musician R Kelly.

Rumours suggesting he was to perform began circulating this week, forcing him to swiftly express otherwise on Twitter.

Other singers who have turned down the opportunity to perform include Charlotte Church and The X Factor UK contestant Rebecca Ferguson who wrote an open letter stating she'd only attend should she be able to perform the historically important song "Strange Fruit."

Controversy has surrounded the event ever since The Rockettes revealed they were contractually obliged to perform even if they did not wish to.

All the artists who have publically refused to play Trump's inauguration

Trump's inauguration takes place at the Capitol in Washington, DC. Just last week, Barack Obama held one final party at the White House ahead of his departure from office boasting a list of attendees that would no doubt make the new President very jealous.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in