Michelle Shocked responds to cancelled show following anti-gay rant by staging sit-in
Folk singer Michelle Shocked has responded to the cancellation of dates of her tour following a recent show in San Francisco during which she allegedly went on a homophobic rant, by turning up at a venue anyway and staging a sit-in.
Shocked turned up at Moe’s Alley, a venue in San Francisco which cancelled her appearance there after her rant, wearing a disposable white suit, which she encouraged fans to write on, and with tape over her mouth.
Before her appearance at the club, Shocked tweeted encouraging fans to turn up for the “art project”, and appeared to be furthering her assertion that she was misinterpreted at the previous gig.
She said: “Moe’s in S Cruz tonight ok? Its an art project ‘My Summer Vacation’ I want your autograph. Bring Sharpie. #truthvsreality #shortsharpshocked”
Prior to that, engaging with fans on Twitter, she said: “I wonder if I’ll be at Moe’s Alley in Santa Cruz 7P March 28… Yeah, I think I might. Mebbe hire extra security? #truthvsreality”
Some showed support whilst others called for her to clarify her position on gay people.
51-year-old Shocked went into a “full hate speech” said one attendee, Matt Penfield, leaving audience members in disgust.
Following her outburst, Shocked said in a statement that she believed her comments were misinterpreted. She said: “I do not, nor have I ever, said or believed that God hates homosexuals (or anyone else). I said that some of His followers believe that.”
The owner of the bar Bill Welch, reporedly spoke with the singer before speaking to reporters outside.
He said: “We will not be bashing Michelle Shocked. Rather we will celebrate music, diversity and send some healing Santa Cruz energy her way.”
The club filled Shocked’s cancelled slot with an evening celebrating diversity, and which featured two bands Beaver Feaver and Frootie Flavors, which openly celebrate the LGBT community.
“I don’t want to engage [Shocked],” said Vnes of the Frootie Flavors. “I want her to feel welcome in the space. I want her to enjoy the show. We’re a sing-along band, and she’s totally welcome to be part of that. But her gig was cancelled. I’m not a basher, so I’m not really going to bash anyone, and I don’t think she should be have a microphone at this show. I’m really hoping everything stays civil and fun.”
Vnes called last night’s show “Short, Sharp and PROUD,” in a reference to Shocked’s famous 1988 album “Short, Sharp and Shocked.”
