Jewel Issues Apology To LGBTQIA+ Fans Amid RFK Jr. Inauguration Event

Jewel is standing by her decision to perform at an inauguration day ball honoring Robert F. Kennedy Jr., emphasizing that her dedication to addressing the nation’s mental health crisis transcends political affiliations.

The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, took to Instagram on Friday to address her appearance at Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” ball in Washington, D.C., which took place four days earlier.

During the event, Jewel performed “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” for Kennedy, who was recently appointed by President Donald Trump as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services and is widely known for his vaccine skepticism.

In her video, Jewel acknowledged the controversy her performance sparked and apologized to any fans who felt disappointed. She explained that her commitment to improving mental health access and resources drives her to act, regardless of political party leadership.

“As many of you know, I am a mental health advocate. If there’s anything I’ve learned in the past 20 years, it’s that mental health affects everybody’s lives across party lines,” Jewel began. “I reached out to the last administration and spoke with the surgeon general about the mental health crisis our nation is facing. The statistics are bleak.”

Jewel shared her belief that immediate action is crucial, even if it means working with individuals or administrations whose politics don’t align perfectly with her own.

“If I wait to try until I agree 100% with the people that might be willing to help me, I’d never get off the bench. I don’t think that’s how activism works,” she said. “It’s actually… because things are so imperfect that we have to find ways to engage and to participate. And we have to act now. We cannot wait another four years.”

She expressed optimism about collaborating with members of the new administration on mental health policy, emphasizing that her priority is to save lives and ensure mental health remains part of the national conversation.

Jewel also directly addressed fans, including her LGBTQIA+ supporters, apologizing to anyone who felt hurt by her actions.

“You’ve made my life a better place. And I will not stop fighting,” she said. “None of us can afford to stop fighting, and I really believe that the only way we can change is in relationship. It isn't in isolation or by isolating, it's by being in relationship, by reaching out, by having hard conversations, and I really hope that we can push through our hurt and move toward understanding on both sides.”

She concluded her heartfelt message with a reaffirmation of her purpose.

"I want to be a ray of light in this world. I try hard to be a ray of light in your lives," added Jewel. "I know that in times of darkness we must grow light, and so I will wake up again tomorrow and try again. And I will count on each of you to do the same."

After seeing her post, fans of the singer had strong opinions.

One fan said, "Girl, they are pulling across to health care arrives and think mental health issues aren’t real, but keep trying to dig yourself out of this hole."

Another expressed, "Whoever named you chose well. You are a Jewel to so many communities. Your authenticity shines through. We have to find ways to keep seeking common ground, however small, to make progress on our most pressing societal issues. Easy for people to stand on sidelines and their hurl insults instead of doing the hard work. Thank You!"

Jewel has been a dedicated mental health advocate for decades. She co-founded the Inspiring Children Foundation, a nonprofit focused on transforming the lives of at-risk youth in Las Vegas through a holistic approach to mental, emotional, and physical health. She also launched Innerworld, a virtual reality-based wellness center offering free mental health tools via anonymous avatars in a safe, supportive environment.

While her decision to perform at the ball sparked debate, Jewel’s unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy remains at the forefront of her mission.