Editor’s note: This post has been updated. See below.
Norman Lear, creator of the iconic Archie Bunker character in “All in the Family,” is being honored with the award for lifelong artistic achievement at this year’s Kennedy Center Honors and he’s refusing to go to the reception at the White House* because he hates President Donald Trump:
Norman Lear plans to boycott the Kennedy Center Honors reception at the White House, a rare snub https://t.co/SQFflbZJhV pic.twitter.com/dXZEAJBsBi
— The New York Times (@nytimes) August 4, 2017
Lear did post this nice message when it was announced that he won:
If anything can bring us hope & encouragement in these difficult times, it has to be the arts and humanities. TY @kencen for this honor. pic.twitter.com/nWD7aFTdzx
— Norman Lear (@TheNormanLear) August 3, 2017
TBH, maybe it’s better that Lear doesn’t go and turn his acceptance speech visit* into something political:
Congrats to Kennedy Center honoree Norman Lear, whose Archie Bunker had some kinda-familiar thoughts on immigration https://t.co/JlAWnBjOUO
— James Poniewozik (@poniewozik) August 3, 2017
Singer Gloria Estefan, who is also receiving an award, will use the event to make a political statement. From the NY Times:
Ms. Estefan, a seven-time Grammy Award winner, said she looked forward to speaking with Mr. Trump because it was “the perfect opportunity to make clear and express” her views. Ms. Estefan is a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and Ellis Island Medal of Honor, and her pursuit of the American dream is the subject of the Broadway musical “On Your Feet!”
“Mr. President, as a proud immigrant of this country, it’s very important for me that you see the wonderful contributions we have made,” Ms. Estefan said she planned to say at the White House reception. “We have seen a lot of anti-immigrant backlash this year, so for us, it may hold even more beauty than for someone who has lived here all their lives. To get this kind of award is so American.”
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Other honorees include L.L. Cool J, Lionel Richie and Carmen de Lavallade who all plan to attend, despite Trump:
They have enriched and shaped the cultural life of America. Introducing the 2017 Kennedy Center Honorees. https://t.co/omAfV68lkU #KCHonors pic.twitter.com/SWm69cbhT8
— The Kennedy Center (@kencen) August 3, 2017
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*Editor’s note: Norman Lear’s spokesperson emailed a clarification and we’ve updated our headline and post.
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