Members of the Radio City Rockettes – the New York City dance troupe recently confirmed to perform at Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration – have received an email from a high-ranking union official saying “any talk of boycotting this event is invalid,” and that full-time employees are obligated to perform.

The email comes after a Rockette expressed concern over being “involved in a dangerous political climate,” and there are unproven allegations many other members of the troupe wish to avoid working the event on ideological grounds.

The American Guild of Variety Artists union claims to 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.”

While there are no explicit mentions of repercussions for not performing, the email says “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.”

Despite the Rockettes performing at President George W. Bush‘s 2001 and 2005 inaugurations, members of the Broadway community and fans of the act have expressed concern and solidarity over their involvement in Trump’s ceremony:

Currently, America’s Got Talent runner-up Jackie Evancho and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir are the only other acts to have agreed to perform. FWIW, Trump himself has issued a pissy statement on the issue, but we suppose getting turned down by everyone else is the reasonable response to being a burnt-out husk of a human.

Source: Broadway World.
Photo: Michael Stewart / Getty.

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