ShowBiz Minute: Maslany, McLean, John
Tatiana Maslany calls London terror attack “terrifying”; Ex-wife of singer Don McLean says the tweet is disrespectful; Sir Elton John is preparing to celebrate his 70th birthday. (March 24)
AP
Don McLean pulls out of his upcoming performance at a National Rifle Association convention referring to Tuesday’s shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas left nineteen children and two teachers dead.
The “American Pie” singer-songwriter released a statement saying it would be “insulting and disrespectful.” for him to perform at the NRA conference in Houston where the meeting will be of gun human rights defenders from all over the country.
“AT light of recent events in Texas, I thought it would be disrespectful and hurtful for me too perform for NRA at their convention in Houston this week,” McLean said. in statement for USA TODAY on Thursday. “I sure all people planning to take part in this event shocked and outraged by this events also. After all, we are all Americans.”
NRA Convention 2022: Trump, Abbott and Cruz to speak at NRA convention in Houston this weekend
Among those still planning to come are Texas politicians and former President Donald Trump. organization released a statement on Wednesday reaffirming that the planned convention would still take place and event will reflect on these events.”
McLean’s statement continued: “I share in sorrow for this terrible, cruel loss with rest of nation.”
Larry Gatlin can’t perform at the NRA convention’in good conscience’
Country and gospel singer Larry Gatlin was also planned perform at the upcoming convention, but on Thursday released a statement saying he could not perform “in good conscience”
‘Til I agree with most of positions held by the NRA,” Gatlin said. in application sent to USA TODAY. “I’ve come to the conclusion that while background checks won’t stop every crazy with and gun is at least step in right direction to try to prevent the view of the tragedy we saw this week in Uvalde”.
Texas native Continued: “My prayers and thoughts go out to all who are suffering and I pray the NRA will rethink some of its outdated and ill-conceived out of firearms regulations in AMERICA. I’m a 2nd amendment guy, but 2nd amendment should does not apply to everyone. It is so simple.”
Larry Stewart of Sacred Heart also leaves the convention
Larry Stewart, lead singer of country band Restless Heart said that he also will not perform in statement for USA TODAY on Thursday.
“Because of the tragedy in uvalde with terrible school shooting and children who died, I want to honor the memory of the victims, the families, the city and our friends in in great state of Texas best I know how. So I made in decision to pull out as a performer for NRA convention this weekend,” Stewart said.
Stuart strengthened his faith in The second amendment, adding that “NRA is great organization who teaches strictly gun safety with a membership of law-abiding citizens.”
“I just believe it best for me at this time,” he wrote.
More: Texas officials investigate whether police acted fast enough to stop the shooter at the Uvalde school
