Jewel defends RFK Jr.’s ball performance. MAHA, says the Trump administration is willing to help with the mental health crisis
Jewel is defending herself after fans expressed their disappointment over her decision to perform at the MAHA Inaugural Ball for Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
After a surprise performance of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” for Kennedy and his wife, the actress Cheryl Hinesat the ball, many fans shared in the comments of her recent Instagram posts how upset they were by her decision to perform at the ball.
“Incredibly disappointed. Jewel is a MAGA. Unfollow,” one fan wrote in the comments section of a post the singer-songwriter shared on Monday. “You are such a disappointment. Been a fan for decades but now I will never listen to your music again or pay money to see you perform live,” another follower added.
In a video posted to her Instagram on Friday, the 50-year-old shared her reasons for deciding to perform at the ball.
JEWEL’S ADVICE ON OVERCOMING HEART, DIFFICULTY: ‘WE DO IT WITH PIECES’
On Monday, Jewel performed an acoustic performance of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” at the MAHA Inaugural Ball in Washington, DC. (Aurelia D’Amore)
“As many of you know, I’m an advocate for mental health. If I’ve learned anything in the past 20 years, it’s that mental health affects everyone’s lives across party lines,” Jewel said at the start of the video. “I spoke to the last administration, spoke to the surgeon general about the mental health crisis facing our nation. I don’t know if you guys know the statistics, but it’s grim.”
The performer went on to say that she believes there are many things we as a society can do to help, adding, “I believe I can help, and if I believe I can help, I have to try.”
Jewel has been very vocal about her passion for raising awareness of the mental health crisis among children and adults in the country and working to make mental health resources available to all who need them.
Jewel addressed fans who were upset about her decision to perform at the ball, saying: “If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the past 20 years, it’s that mental health affects the lives of all parties.” (Getty Images)
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Her passion led her to co-found the Inspiring Children Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps disadvantaged children in Las Vegas. Jewel too co-founder of Innerworlda free virtual reality-based wellness center that offers mental health tools.
Jewel’s appearance on Monday was a surprise. (Jessica Kraus/Instagram)
“If I wait to try until I’m 100% on board with people who might be willing to help me, I’d never get off the bench. I don’t think that’s how activism works, waiting for everything to be perfect enough to participate,” she continued in her video to his fans. “It’s really because things are so imperfect that we have to find ways to engage and participate. And we have to act now. We can’t wait another four years.”
Jewel echoed this sentiment in the title of her post, where she explained that “we need people from all walks of life” to work together when it comes to advocating for a greater focus on “mental health and other critical issues, so we can find a way forward together.”
While Jewel admits she “doesn’t agree on all the policies,” she thinks there are those in the new Trump administration who are “willing to help on this issue.”
“If I wait to try until I’m 100% on board with people who could help me, I’d never get off the bench. I don’t think that’s how activism works, waiting for everything to be perfect enough to participate.”
“If I can help shape policy, make sure mental health is part of the conversation… If I can help put mental health resources or tools in the hands of the most vulnerable who need them, I’ll try and fight,” she said. “And I understand that my words were too simplistic. Half of our country feels hopeful right now, and I respect that. And half of our country feels disenfranchised, scared and vulnerable, and that’s unacceptable.”
Jewel hopes that people can put aside their differences and work together. (Getty Images)
Later in the video, Grammy nominated artist she apologized to her fans for any pain she may have caused them by performing at the ball, addressing her LGBTQIA fans in particular, telling them that “you made my life a better place.”
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Jewel went on to point out that she will “never stop fighting” and thinks that having “tough conversations” is the only way to create change. She said she hopes that one day “we can move past our pain and move toward understanding on both sides.”
“I want to be a ray of light in this world. I’m trying so hard to be a ray of light in your lives,” Jewel said. “I know that in the age of darkness we must shine a light, so tomorrow I will wake up again and try again. And I will count on each of you to do the same.”
WATCH: JEWEL PERFORMS AT MAHA INAUGURAL BALL AT PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP’S INAUGURATION
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House Inhabit founder Jessica Kraus told Fox News Digital that Jewel’s performance ewas a surprise for everyone at the ball, including Hines, who became visibly emotional during the song and was seen wiping a tear from her eye.
Cheryl Hines was overcome with emotion during Jewel’s performance. (Jessica Kraus/Instagram)
Hines shared pictures from the evening at Post on Instagram on Wednesday. In the series of photos, the “Curb Your Enthusiasm” actress can be seen posing alongside her husband in a stunning Romon Kavez one-shoulder gown as she greets guests.
“Oh what a night! The MAHA ball in DC was so much fun!” the actress wrote the post, also thanking and acknowledging the designers and stylists who contributed to her look.
Cheryl Hines said the MAHA ball was “soooo much fun.” (Aurelia D’Amore)
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