Pop Star Refuses to Perform Unless Salvation Army Donates to LGBTQ Charity
The Salvation Army is kicking off their annual Red Kettle Campaign at halftime of the Thanksgiving Day NFL game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Buffalo Bills. British Pop Star Ellie Goulding is set to perform. However, after vicious attacks on the Christian charity on social media this week, Goulding has threatened to back out “unless [the Salvation Army] very quickly make a solid, committed pledge or donation to the LGBTQ community.”
"I have reached out to The Salvation Army and said that I would have no choice but to pull out unless they very quickly make a solid, committed pledge or donation to the [LGBTQ+] community," @elliegoulding wrote. 👑https://t.co/pxFun0XSMM
— Out Magazine (@outmagazine) November 13, 2019
These demands came after Goulding fans on twitter attacked the singer for supporting the Salvation Army. The social media trolls accused the Christian-based organization of bigotry and supporting “anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric”.
For Goulding to turn around and extort the charity was quite surprising given the fact that she posted a number of pictures of herself working with Salvation Army to feed the homeless and saying how much she loves the organization.
And to my new “fans” 😊 I’m glad I was able to just give you this little insight into what I do with the homeless, publicity and of course what I do privately too 🤙🏼 I love @SalvationArmyUS for their amazing efforts and dedication. pic.twitter.com/E8rILQVkL4
— Ellie Goulding (@elliegoulding) November 14, 2019
The Salvation Army quickly released a statement saying that all these accusations were simply rumors and that the organization is dedicated to helping anyone in need regardless of creed, color, or sexual orientation. David Hudson, the Commander of the Salvation Army told the Dallas Morning News, “With an organization of our size and history, myths can perpetuate. An individual’s sexual or gender identity, religion, or lifestyle has no bearing on our willingness to provide service. We stand firmly behind our mission to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.”
@elliegoulding Your generation is too quick to jump on a train without knowing what its gone through, where it's been, or where it's going. Take the time and do some research before you make yourself look foolish again https://t.co/2ftWBSqpcY
— James Green (@jgreen0807) November 13, 2019