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 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.”
The union’s #1 job is to protect #Rockettes from hostile, unsafe work conditions, not bully them into performing for a sexual predator. https://t.co/LzAmGiJjnm
— Edana (@RedSaid) December 23, 2016
We don’t dance for demagogues. #Rockettes we support you.@RadioCity @sagaftra
Be heard:
feedbackradiocity@MSG.com#AGVA:212-675-1003— Phillip Spaeth (@phillipspaeth) December 23, 2016
Performers everywhere who have ever wanted to keep a paying gig. Make a call for your sisters. #RESISTANCE #Rockettes #notmypresident pic.twitter.com/2Ms2z7QTdx
— Siobhan Gandy (@SiobhanGandy) December 23, 2016
#Rockettes pic.twitter.com/JOqPQVDeSk
— Courtney Soliday (@CourtneySoliday) December 23, 2016
At inauguration Rockettes should do that domino thing where they all fall 2 the ground, then 1 reaches out & gasps “America” & dies. SCENE.
— Lesli Margherita (@QueenLesli) December 23, 2016
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.
Trump Inaugural Music Lineup:
1. The distant echo of sobbing children
2. A raccoon knocking over a trash can
3. Breezes
4. Kid Rock— Jason Miller (@longwall26) December 21, 2016
Photo: Michael Stewart / Getty.
