Elton John may be a gay icon, but his latest interview has fans wondering if he’s willing to go to bat for all queer people’s rights.
In a new interview with Variety, John was asked for his thoughts on Donald Trump’s choice to nickname North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un as “Rocket Man,” inspired by John’s hit song. Rather than critiquing Trump’s conservative politics as some fans had hoped, John simply said he appreciated Trump’s reference.
“Donald’s always been a fan of mine, and he’s been to my concerts many, many times. So I’ve always been friendly towards him, and I thank him for his support,” John said. “When he did that, I just thought it was hilarious. It made me laugh.”
Though John didn’t explicitly endorse Trump for this year’s election in the interview, he didn’t decry him either, saying nothing concrete about either Trump or Kamala Harris as people or as politicians. Given Trump’s hateful rhetoric toward queers folks — particularly trans folks and trans children — the statement was a gut-punch for LGBTQ+ people across America, who had hoped an openly gay celebrity like John might have stood up for them when given the chance.
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“I have never been more heartbroken in my entire life,” reads one viral post about John’s statement. “All rich people are the same,” lamented another.
I feel like I just got shot
— milly (@milly_goose) September 9, 2024
RelatedHe might have just revealed his handThis explains a lot
Sorry but I have lost hope in cis queers a long time ago.
— Vincent/will FREE 🍉 (@tiinypixiie) September 9, 2024
So, what does John think about the upcoming election? Nothing substantial, if the rest of his comments to Variety are anything to go by.
“I don’t go on stage and say to people, ‘You mustn’t vote for the Republicans, you mustn’t vote for Democrats,’” he said. “It’s none of my business how they vote. They come to see me, and I’m so grateful they have.”
“America is in a very volatile position. And it’s a country I love, and I’ve always loved, and I’m so thankful that it made me who I am,” John continued. “I just want people to vote for things that are just, things that are important to people: the right to choose, the right to be who you are, and not let anybody else tell you who to be. And that goes all the way up to the Supreme Court.”
Watch John’s full interview with Variety below. His comments on American politics begin around the 13:50 timestamp.