Country singer Luke Bryan has fired back at critics after backlash for bringing Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on stage at his Jacksonville concert Friday night to raise money for Hurricane Ian victims.
The left ripped Bryant after footage surfaced of him bringing DeSantis onto the stage and the crowd went nuts.
“We’re going to have some fun and we’re going to raise some money tonight for the great state of Florida,” Bryan said while bringing out the Florida Republican. “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the stage, Governor Ron DeSantis.”
DeSantis then came out on the stage and embraced Bryan to a deafening roar from the crowd.
DeSantis just walked out on stage at Luke Bryan. It’s deafening in here. pic.twitter.com/WHelgPCxM1
— Bonnie Upright, APR (@bonnieupright) October 29, 2022
Bryan responded to his critics by way of Twitter. He acknowledged DeSantis is a "polarizing figure" but simply wanted to raise awareness for hurricane relief.
“I typically don’t respond to stuff when I’m getting a rundown on a social platform but here’s the deal. I understand Governor DeSantis is a very polarizing figure,” he said. “But I grew up in a country where if a governor asks you if they can come and raise awareness to help victims of a natural disaster you help.”
“I have generally stayed out of politics throughout my career,” he continued. “I knew people would chatter about this but for me, the more important piece was if I am going to come back there a few weeks after a large portion of people have been affected by a natural disaster in a state where people have been good to me this felt right. Raise awareness, have a little fun between the GA and FL college fans before the game and do what I love on stage.”
“This is all I am saying about this. I’ll be outdoors with my boys. Enjoy your Sunday,” he continued.
— Luke Bryan (@lukebryan) October 30, 2022
In a situation like this everyone needs to put their politics aside and do what's best. The state of Florida was hit by a lethal hurricane and it's good to see Luke Bryant helping with hurricane relief.