Yesterday, the world learned that the R&B singer Chrisette Michele will perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration festivities tomorrow, making her the only halfway relevant artist to accept Trump’s invitation. The backlash against Michele was swift and predictable; her former collaborator ?uestlove, for instance, tweeted that he would pay her not to perform. And in a short and somewhat incoherent damage-control statement, Michele has made some attempt to justify her decision.

Michele writes, “My heart is broken for our country, for the hopes of our children, for the fights of those who came before us.” She also quotes Martin Luther King and refers to herself as #NoPoliticalGenius, hashtag hers. But she also writes that she’s “willing to be a bridge.” Read the statement below.

We can’t be present if we’re silent.

My heart is broken for our country, for the hopes of our children, for the fights of those who came before us.

I cry at the thought that Black History, American History might be in vain.

This country has had great moments. God has shined His light upon us.

Today, I hope that Great Moments begin in peaceful & progressive conversation. I am willing to be a bridge. I don’t mind “These Stones”, if they allow me to be a voice for the voiceless.

I am here.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Our lives begin to end, the day we become silent about what matters,”.

I am here, representing you, because this is what matters.”

- Chrisette Michele
#NoPoliticalGenius

I can’t speak for the rest of the world, but this does not make me feel any better.