The rumor mill is in overdrive over speculation that big name entertainers like Jay-Z, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake, Kanye West and others are joining Stevie Wonder in his boycott of Florida.
After the not guilty verdict in the George Zimmerman murder trial was announced, musician Stevie Wonder released a statement vowing to never return to Florida or any other state that recognizes the controversial “Stand Your Ground” law.
“I decided today that until the ‘Stand Your Ground’ law is abolished in Florida, I will never perform there again. As a matter of fact, wherever I find that law exists, I will not perform in that state or in that part of the world. We can’t bring them back. What we can do is we can let our voices be heard. And we can vote in our various countries throughout the world for change and equality for everybody. That’s what I know we can do.”
According to US Magazine, a new report surfaced by American Urban Radio Networks’ April Ryan says “a source close to the Stevie Wonder camp” confirmed that Jay-Z, Madonna, Usher, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Kanye West, Justin Timberlake and other artists are canceling concerts in Florida.
As reports of the list surfaced, several representatives of the various musicians distanced themselves. According to the Huffington Post:
“A local news outlet in Florida cites ‘an executive affiliated with the ‘Legends of the Summer’ tour’ who says the Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z concert planned for Aug. 16 at Sun Life stadium will go on.”
Another source denied to HuffPost that Rihanna is joining the boycott, while the representatives of Rolling Stones told Mother Jones that they’re not affiliated with the boycott.
Check out the full unofficial list. Do you think celebrities boycotting states that support the “Stand Your Ground” law will have a measurable impact?
Mary Mary
Eddie Levert
Rod Stewart
Madonna
Usher
Pattie Labelle
Kanye West
Mary J
Trey Songz
Jay-Z
Rolling Stones
Justin Timberlake
R. Kelly
Rihanna
Alicia Keys
Joe
Will. I. AM
Keyshia Cole
Young Jeezy
Erykah Badu
Wale
Frankie Beverly
Parliament
