Rockettes’ Union Confirms Dancers Not Required to Perform at Trump Inauguration
Group “never ‘demanded’ that the Rockettes perform at the inauguration,” American Guild of Variety Artists clarifies
Tony Maglio | December 23, 2016 @ 1:43 PM
Last Updated: December 23, 2016 @ 2:26 PM
Any and all participation by individual Rockettes members in Donald Trump’s inauguration celebration will be on a completely voluntary basis, the union that represents the dancers confirmed on Friday. So that should clear up today’s maelstrom.
“We took this very seriously and immediately contacted Radio City for a meeting to address this volatile situation,” the American Guild of Variety Artists told TheWrap in a Friday afternoon statement. “This is always the first course of action in a labor-management issue or dispute. Fortunately, the company has agreed that ALL participation in this particular event will be voluntary. We are greatly relieved and hope to work with our members to inform them and alleviate the anxiety and fears that this has caused.”
The union went on to clarify that it “never ‘demanded’ that the Rockettes perform at the inauguration.”
“A message was sent to the Rockettes last evening that stated the terms of their contract. There is a small group of year round Rockettes who are contractually obligated to perform at scheduled events throughout the year,” the AGVA explained. “We are pleased that Radio City has agreed that for those Rockettes with year-round employment, participation in this event will be voluntary as well.”
The Madison Square Garden Company, which owns Radio City Music Hall, told TheWrap earlier that the Rockettes can individually choose to either perform or pass on the inauguration. Earlier this week, it had announced the group’s traditional participation in the event.
“The Radio City Rockettes are proud to participate in the 58th Presidential Inaugural,” MSG explained earlier this afternoon. “For a Rockette to be considered for an event, they must voluntarily sign up and are never told they have to perform at a particular event, including the inaugural. It is always their choice.”
“In fact, for the coming inauguration, we had more Rockettes request to participate than we have slots available,” the company added.
Until the clarifying statements, the Internet was torn as to whether or not the Rockettes should be required to perform as contractually obligated. Many, including Patton Oswalt and Paul Feig vehemently defended a high-kicker’s right to boycott over political differences. Other Twitter users were not as compassionate.
At the time, MSG’s progressive stance seemed to directly contradict an earlier email written and sent by a high-ranking member of the AGVA, which the union referenced and addressed above. BroadwayWorld.com had posted the following note from the organization:
“We have received an email from a Rockette expressing concern about getting “involved in a dangerous political climate” but I must remind you that you are all employees, and as a company, Mr. [James] Dolan obviously wants The Rockettes to be represented at our country’s Presidential inauguration, as they were in 2001 & 2005. Any talk of boycotting this event is invalid, I’m afraid.”
“We have been made aware of what is going on Facebook and other social media, however, this does not change anything unless Radio City has a change of heart. The ranting of the public is just that, ranting. Everyone has a right to an opinion, but this does not change your employment status for those who are full time.”
“This has nothing to do with anyone’s political leanings (including AGVA’s), it has to do with your best performance for your employer, period. I will reiterate that if Hillary Clinton was the President-elect, nothing would be different, and there would probably be those who would not want to be involved because of her. It is a job, and all of you should consider it an honor, no matter who is being sworn in. The election is over and this country will not survive if it remains divided.”
“Everyone is entitled to her own political beliefs, but there is no room for this in the workplace.”
“If you are not full time, you do not have to sign up to do this work. If you are full time, you are obligated. Doing the best performance to reflect an American Institution which has been here for over 90 years is your job. I hope this pulls into focus the bottom line on this work.”
23 Stars Definitely Not Performing at Trump Inauguration (Updating Photos)
Donald Trump is so unpopular with Hollywood that two talent wranglers told TheWrap they were offered ambassadorships in exchange for booking top singers. Here are some artists who have said publicly they wouldn't perform for the occasion.
The "Wicked" star got a little snarky when asked to comment on Donald Trump having trouble locking down Inauguration performers, telling Vanity Fair, "It's karma, baby."
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THE CHAINSMOKERS
A rumor that turned out to be a joke from a journalist aside, no, the DJ duo will not be performing.
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THE DIXIE CHICKS
Their manager, Simon Renshaw, told TheWrap that their hit "Not Ready to Make Nice" should be the anthem of every entertainer dealing with Trump. He said of anyone who agrees to perform: “I hope that the check that they get is in the nine figures. Because it’s probably the last check they’re ever going to get.”
ELTON JOHN
Despite a Trump transition team member claiming on the BBC that the "Tiny Dancer" singer would be performing at a concert on the Mall to celebrate "the first American president in U.S. history that enters the White House with a pro-gay rights stance," nope. Not true.
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ANDREA BOCELLI
The operatic Italian tenor declined an offer to perform at the inaugural events, PageSix reported, fearing a backlash among his fans.
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CELINE DION
The French Canadian hit-maker declined an approach from Trump ally and Las Vegas hotelier Steve Wynn to perform, TheWrap reported.
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KANYE WEST
The hip-hop giant may have met with the president-elect (and put off his own presidential bid until at least 2024) but Tom Barrack, head of Trump's inaugural committee, told CNN, "He is not performing at the inauguration."
ERIC McCORMACK
The "Passengers" and "Will & Grace" star and singer said he'd be willing to perform -- but only after "a lobotomy."
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ICE-T
“I just got call to perform at the Inauguration … I didn’t pick up and Blocked the number,” the rapper tweeted. Trump's team declined to confirm or deny.
KISS
Gene Simmons told TMZ in December that the band had been approached about performing but declined -- in part because they would be touring in Europe at that time.
ADAM LAMBERT
Former "American Idol" finalist and Queen frontman told the BBC that he'd pass on playing the inauguration no matter how big the check that was offered. "I don't think I would take the money on that one," he told the BBC. "I don't think I'd be endorsing that."
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MICHAEL RAPPAPORT
The actor and comedian will not only not perform, he also has strong words for anyone who does, saying they "should be ashamed of themselves."
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ALEX WOLFF The "Patriot's Day" actor, who is also in a band with his brother Nat Wolff, did not mince words when asked if he would perform: "I’m not going to elaborate further because I know when to be tight-lipped, but no f---ing way."
The HBO "Insecure" creator and star said in December she would have to be "'Weekend at Bernie'ed" to show up to Trump's inauguration.
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REBECCA FERGUSON
The British pop star also declined a Trump inauguration -- though she said she'd consider accepting if she was allowed to perform Billie Holiday's classic protest song "Strange Fruit."
MOBY
The DJ announced on Instagram on January 9 that he had been approached to perform, and he declined, saying: "I guess I’d DJ at an inaugural ball if as payment #trump released his tax returns."
Were the late iconic singer still alive today, he "would never support a bigot" by performing at Trump's inauguration, according to his daughter Nancy.
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PAUL ANKA
After agreeing to perform at the inauguration, the legendary singer backed out of plans to perform “My Way” for President-elect Donald Trump. Anka insisted the decision is not out of protest.
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R KELLY
Then R&B star was forced to deny reports that he would performing at the inaugural festivities tweeting: “Despite the rumors circulating online, R. Kelly will not be performing at this years [sic] inauguration ceremony,” the “I Believe I Can Fly” singer tweeted Thursday night. “Any reports stating otherwise are simply untrue.”
“End. Of. Story.,” Kelly added.
JENNIFER HOLLIDAY
After confirming her participation, Holliday eventually pulled out, calling the decision to perform a “lapse in judgement.”
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Performers including Garth Brooks, Celine Dion and The Chainsmokers have made other plans for January 20
Donald Trump is so unpopular with Hollywood that two talent wranglers told TheWrap they were offered ambassadorships in exchange for booking top singers. Here are some artists who have said publicly they wouldn't perform for the occasion.