North Carolina’s HB2, which targets the LGBT community, has already cost the state a sold out performance by one major performer. Bruce Springsteen cancelled a scheduled show in Charlotte as a protest of the bigoted statute. Comedian Joel McHale was also scheduled to perform in NC and he decided to keep his commitment. But while McHale didn’t disappoint the crowd in Durham, he also managed to stay true to his principles.
McHale’s let his feelings about HB2 known with more than just his attire. According to reports, he had more than a few words to say about hate and the hostile legislation. At one point, he called the law “f*cking crazy.” But in a gesture that spoke even louder than words, McHale announced that “every single dime” from the performance would be donated to the local LGBTQ organization.
A spokesperson for the LGBTQ Center of Durham told BuzzFeed News:
“As a new center we generously appreciate that kind of support in this moment while our people are hurting over the ways our local general assembly is not treating them properly.”
McHale admitted to the audience he was ready to cancel the show, but learned the Durham City Council had passed a resolution opposing HB2. He applauded the crowd for being a community with the courage to stand up against hate.
Joel McHale will not be the last celebrity to use his/her actions to protest this ridiculous law. Backlash will continue to hurt the economy of North Carolina, as will PayPal’s recent decision, and will continue as long as state officials continued to condone discrimination on any basis.
Featured Image by Rachel Murray/Getty Images
