May 20, 2016
Maroon 5 Latest Act to Cancel Concert in NC Over Anti-LGBT Law
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Pop band Maroon 5 is the latest act to nix a concert in North Carolina over the state's highly controversial anti-LGBT law.
In a statement posted to their website Friday, the Adam Levine-fronted group wrote:
We have announced that we will be canceling our upcoming shows in Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina because of the recent passage of the HB2 legislation. This was a difficult decision for us to make as a band. We don't want to penalize our fans in North Carolina by not performing for them, but in the end it comes down to what we feel is morally right.
The "Sugar" singers also took to Twitter to make their announcement.
Artists have been divided on whether or not to boycott their North Carolina shows over the state's new law, which prohibits transgender people from using public facilities (like restrooms) that correspond to their gender identity. While Bruce Springsteen, Nick Jonas, Demi Lovato and others have canceled their shows, others, including Cyndi Lauper, Beyonce, Dolly Parton, Against Me! and more have performed in the Tar Heel State to show their support for the LGBT community. Some artists, like Beyonce and Lauper, donated funds to local LGBT groups in order to fight House Bill 2.
Maroon 5's fans are also split on the issue, with many blasting the band for canceling and others supporting the group's decision.
"While I hope our politicians will repeal HB2, you're punishing the fans. Please reconsider," one person wrote.
"Thanks for doing the right thing. #RepealHB2 #WeAreNotThis #OneTermPat," another added.
