Jewel has addressed the backlash she received from some fans after performing at Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again Inaugural Ball on Monday, an appearance many interpreted as her endorsement of the incoming administration.
In an Instagram video post, the singer-songwriter specifically apologized to her LGBTQIA+ fans and explained that her unexpected performance at RFK’s event was part of her ongoing activism surrounding mental health initiatives, an issue she has been passionate about for years.
Jewel shared that she had previously been in touch with the Biden administration and had spoken with the Surgeon General regarding America’s mental health crisis, stating, “there are things that we can do to save lives.”
She continued, explaining her belief that she could make a difference, saying, “I believe I can help. And if I believe I can help, I have to try. And if I wait to try until I agree 100 percent with the people that might be willing to help me, I’d never get off the bench.
I don’t think that’s how activism works, waiting until everything’s perfect enough to participate. It’s actually because things are so imperfect that we have to find ways to engage and participate, and we have to act now. We cannot wait another four years. I believe there are people in the new administration that are willing to help on this issue.”
Jewel emphasized that while she may not agree with all the positions and policies being put forward by those in power, engaging with them could lead to progress.
“I do not agree on all the politics, but if I can help shape policy, make sure mental health is in the conversation when it comes to American health, if I can help put resources or mental health tools into the hands of the most vulnerable who need it, I’m going to try and I’m going to fight,” she said.
“And I understand that my words were overly simplistic. Half of our country feels hope right now, and I honor that. And half of our country feels disenfranchised and scared and vulnerable, and that is unacceptable.”
Turning her attention to the LGBTQIA+ community, Jewel expressed deep regret for the pain her decision to perform may have caused. “I am so sorry that I caused pain, especially in my LGBTQIA+ community because you guys are treasures. You make the world a better place. You’ve made my life a better place,” she said.
“And I will not stop fighting, none of us can afford to stop fighting. And I really believe that the only way we change is in relationship. It isn’t in isolation or by isolating. It’s by being in relationship, by reaching out, by having hard conversations, and I really hope that we can push through our hurt and move toward understanding on both sides.”
Jewel further expressed her sorrow for letting down some of her longtime fans, saying, “It pains me and I am so sorry that some of my longtime fans felt that I let them down.
I want to be a ray of light in this world. I try hard to be a ray of light in your lives. And I know that in times of darkness, we must grow light. And so I will wake up again tomorrow and try again, and I will count on each of you to do the same. I have so much love and admiration for each of you.”
A longtime mental health advocate, Jewel co-founded the virtual wellness platform Innerworld. At the MAHA Ball, she performed “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” as a surprise for Cheryl Hines, RFK’s wife, who is reportedly a big fan of the singer.