Facing backlash over the state’s sweeping anti-LGBT law, North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory’s (R) re-election campaign on Tuesday criticized musicians who have cancelled their shows in the state to protest the law, accusing them of channeling “selective outrage.”
Ricky Diaz, a spokesman for McCrory’s gubernatorial campaign, wrote in a statement obtained by The Carolina Mercury that “it is the height of hypocrisy for these Hollywood elitists to deny their service to customers over a political disagreement.”
“The reality is that while these and other groups unfairly target North Carolina, they often tour and play shows in the 29 other states with similar levels of anti-discrimination protections as North Carolina,” Diaz continued. “If you are writing on the selective outrage expressed by these bands in canceling their North Carolina shows, you should also ask if they plan on canceling the shows they’re playing in these states.”
The campaign then offered a list of groups that have cancelled show in North Carolina, including Pearl Jam, Boston, and Bruce Springsteen, and called them out for performing in states with similar “non-discrimination laws.” Diaz also noted that some of the groups boycotting the state have performed in Singapore and Russia, both of which have harsh laws regarding LGBT rights.
Since he signed the rushed legislation banning local provisions providing anti-discrimination protections for LGBT individuals, McCrory has stubbornly defended the law. In responding to backlash from businesses, the governor has said that some corporations “don’t quite understand” the law.
