Bruce Springsteen accused of ‘bully tactics’ for standing up to North Carolina over anti-LGBT law
International star Bruce Springsteen has been accused of using “bully tactics” for cancelling a concert in North Carolina over the state’s new anti-LGBT law.
Last month North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory signed law which voids all local ordinances protecting LGBT rights, as well as permitting businesses to discriminate against LGBT people on the grounds of religious belief.
The new law also bans transgender students in public schools from using their preferred bathroom.
McCrory’s decision has attracted a legal challenge as well as a growing boycott of the state, with over 100 companies slamming the decision.
The singer was set to perform in Greensboro, North Carolina on Sunday, but he has condemned the anti-LGBT law.
Springsteen released a statement yesterday condemning the law, and the politicians behind it, who he described as “people who cannot stand the progress our country has made in recognising the human rights of all”. He urged North Carolina to return to its Glory Days and void the law.
North Carolina Representative Mark Walker has now accused Springsteen of “bully tactics”.
He said “it’s disappointing [Springsteen is] not following through on his commitments.”
“Bruce is known to be on the radical left and he’s got every right to be so, but I consider this a bully tactic,” he said in an interview with the Hollywood reporter.
“It’s like when a kid gets upset and says he’s going to take his ball and go home.”
He noted that other stars, including Justin Bieber, would go to North Carolina in coming months.
After Springsteen’s announcement, the guitarist from the E Street Band Steven Van Zandt said North Carolina’s anti-LGBT law is like an “evil virus” in explaining why their concert was cancelled for this Sunday.
