"Thanks for letting me crash the celebration final evening, @lukebryan!" the Florida governor tweeted after the present.
Luke Bryan responded to a wave of criticism he’s obtained for warmly welcoming Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to his stage Friday evening.
The nation star and American Idol choose introduced out DeSantis in entrance of a Jacksonville, Florida, crowd, on a cease on his Raised Up Proper Tour. In footage from the live performance, DeSantis is seen tossing swag out to viewers members and giving a excessive 5 to Bryan, who pats him on the again.
“We’re gonna have some enjoyable and we’re gonna increase some cash tonight for the nice state of Florida,” Bryan introduced on the present.
DeSantis shared a pair of pictures on Twitter of the 2 showing to have a great time on stage collectively. He wrote, “Thanks for letting me crash the celebration final evening, @lukebryan!”
Bryan launched an announcement on Sunday defending his determination to have DeSantis be a part of him on the present. He famous that “this felt proper” as a part of an effort to assist increase consciousness and cash for folks impacted by Hurricane Ian in Florida. The singer had postponed a set of Florida tour dates in September as a result of hurricane.
“I sometimes don’t reply to stuff after I’m getting run down on a social platform however right here’s the deal. I perceive Governor Desantis is a really polarizing determine,” Bryan wrote on social media Sunday afternoon. “However I grew up in a rustic the place if a governor ask you if they will come and lift consciousness to assist victims of a pure catastrophe you assist.”
“I’ve usually stayed out of politics all through my profession,” mentioned Bryan. “I knew folks would chatter about this however for me the extra necessary piece was if I'm going to return again there a couple of weeks after a big portion of individuals have been affected by a pure catastrophe in a state the place folks have been good to me this felt proper. Increase consciousness, have slightly enjoyable between the GA and FL school followers earlier than the sport and do what I really like on stage.”
He closed the observe by writing, “That is all I'm saying about this. I’ll be open air with my boys. Take pleasure in your Sunday.”
“Your greeting of DeSantis on stage definitely seemed to be greater than wanting to assist Hurricane victims. It regarded like a full endorsement of DeSantis — DeSantis is worse than polarizing,” one particular person commented on Bryan’s submit. It was one of many prime feedback of greater than 13,000, a big uptick from the same old quantity of feedback seen on the singer’s tweets.
“So, it’s unattainable to assist victims of a hurricane whereas additionally supporting the LGBTQ neighborhood?” one other requested. DeSantis was behind Florida’s “Don’t Say Homosexual” legislation, which prohibits instruction in Florida faculties on sexual orientation or gender identification from kindergarten by way of grade three, or in any grade “in a way that's not age-appropriate or developmentally applicable for college students in accordance with state requirements.”
“You'll be able to increase consciousness (and cash) with your individual title,” famous one other Twitter consumer. “Having Desantis on stage with you could have the impression (true or not) that you simply supported him. At the moment, all of us should be keen to talk out in opposition to lies, hate and injustice.”
Under, see a video clip of the second Bryan welcomed DeSantis to the stage, adopted by Bryan’s assertion.
This story first appeared on Billboard.com.