Nick Jonas and Demi Lovato cancel gigs in North Carolina due to ‘hateful’ anti-LGBT law
The pair join a host of other stars who have cancelled gigs in the state following the introduction of a controversial new anti-LGBT law.
Pop sensations Nick Jonas and Demi Lovato have cancelled two shows in North Carolina that were due to take place as part of their joint tour.
Explaining their reasons behind the cancellation, Lovato said she and Jonas have chosen to “stand united” against the “discriminatory HB2 law” and urged fans to do the same.
“After much thought and deliberation, Nick and I have decided to cancel our shows in Raleigh and Charlotte,” the singer said in a statement to GLAAD.
“We know the cancellation of these shows is disappointing to our fans, but we trust that you will stand united with us against this hateful law.”
The duo were originally scheduled to perform in Charlotte on June 30 and Raleigh on July 2.
“One of our goals for the Honda Civic Tour: Future Now has always been to create an atmosphere where every single attendee feels equal, included, and accepted for who they are,” Lovato added.
“North Carolina’s discriminatory HB2 law is extremely disappointing, and it takes away some of the LGBT community’s most basic rights and protections.
“But we will not allow this to stop us from continuing to make progress for equality and acceptance.”
The heavily criticised ‘bathroom bill’ – signed into law by Governor Pat McCrory last month – restricts the rights of trans people to use a gender-appropriate bathroom, as well as prohibiting local authorities from passing bills to protect LGBT people.
Bruce Springsteen and Ringo Starr are among celebrities to ditch appearances in the state after Governor Pat McCrory signed HB2 into law.
Other acts – like Mumford & Sons and Cyndi Lauper – have carried on with North Carolina shows, with proceeds from those gigs benefitting organisations in the state actively fighting the bill.
At least 54 people were arrested yesterday, as LGBT rights demonstrators descended on the state capital to protest the controversial law.
