US folk singer Michelle Shocked cancels tour after telling audience she ‘hates fags’
Folk singer Michelle Shocked did just that last night at a gig in San Francisco, when she went on an anti-gay rant forcing concert-goers to leave.
During an intimate gig at Yoshi’s in San Francisco, the born-again Christian told the audience she “hates fags” and that same-sex marriage would bring about the “end of the world.”
51-year-old Shocked went into a “full hate speech” said one attendee, Matt Penfield, leaving audience members in disgust.
She summed up by saying: “You can go on Twitter and say ‘Michelle Shocked says God hates fags.'”
One audience member tweeted: “wow, she’s a total bigot and said so on stage. It was unreal. We had to leave. I am so disappointed.” But Shocked tweeted: “Truth is leading to painful confrontation #sharpnotshocked.”
The venue said they “will not ever tolerate the type of bigotry and hatred exhibited last night,” and stated that Michelle Shocked “will never be back.”
All concerts of her tour have now been cancelled by venues – following the singer’s anti-gay tirade – except for two in June that are listed as ‘tenative.’
“In light of recent developments, eTown must cancel the upcoming concert with Michelle Shocked, originally scheduled to take place in May at eTown Hall,” said Helen Forster, founder of another venue.
“From the very beginning, our goal as an organisation has been to foster a spirit of community and inclusiveness in all that we do…We are deeply saddened by today’s news, and are pulling the plug on this event. Anyone who had purchased tickets for the show can receive a full refund… We apologise for any inconvenience, and appreciate your understanding.”
Evanston SPACE venue has also announced its cancellation. “Many of you have reached out already following an ugly rant given by Michelle Shocked at her show in San Francisco last night. After speaking with the promoter of that show about the nature of the remarks, it’s clear that this is no longer a show we’re willing to put our name on. The May 5th performance at SPACE has been cancelled and refunds will be issued at point of purchase,” said a statement posted on their Facebook page.
