Arts & Entertainment
Donald Trump Jr. slams Adam Rippon over feud with Pence
the figure skater has stated he just wants to focus on the Olympics
Donald Trump, Jr. (Photo by Gage Skidmore; courtesy Wikimedia Commons)
Donald Trump Jr. is weighing in on the feud between out U.S. Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon and Vice President Mike Pence.
Rippon, who helped Team USA secure bronze this week, is currently competing at the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Before heading to the Olympics, Rippon commented that he didn’t agree with Pence leading the U.S. delegation during the opening ceremony. He also said he would not want to meet Pence at the pre-opening ceremony.
Rippon told CNN that he still stands by his comments but wants to just focus on the competition right now.
“I have no problem about what I’ve said because I stand by it, but I think right now the Olympics are about Olympic competition,” Rippon told CNN.
Trump Jr. responded to the interview tweeting, “Really? Then Perhaps you shouldn’t have spent the past few weeks talking about him. I haven’t heard him mention you once???”
Really? Then Perhaps you shouldn’t have spent the past few weeks talking about him. I haven’t heard him mention you once??? https://t.co/8lcCsoyBsq
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) February 14, 2018
The tweet surprised some people as Pence directly tweeted Rippon at the start of the Olympic games.
Hey, Don…It’s really not like you to get your facts wrong…What would your father say about you spreading FAKE NEWS? SAD! pic.twitter.com/yngPsDhTFj
— Eoin O’Callaghan (@EoinOCallaghan) February 14, 2018
Mike Pence tweeted about him explicitly.
— C (@c_f_392) February 14, 2018
Remember when you and your family said to keep politics out of sports? Oh wait! That’s when it fits your agenda. Leave Rippon alone JR
— ginny allee (@Crazyginny) February 14, 2018
You not paying attention isn't exactly news. But here ya go: https://t.co/nEa20WvetD
— Beth Gould (@ABGEsquire) February 14, 2018
a&e features
Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates 45 years at annual gala
‘Sapphire & Sparkle’ Spring Affair held at the Ritz Carlton
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington held the annual Spring Affair gala at the Ritz Carlton Washington, D.C. on Saturday. The theme for this year’s fete was “Sapphire & Sparkle.” The chorus celebrated 45 years in D.C. with musical performances, food, entertainment, and an awards ceremony.
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington Executive Director Justin Fyala and Artistic Director Thea Kano gave welcoming speeches. Opening remarks were delivered by Spring Affair co-chairs Tracy Barlow and Tomeika Bowden. Uproariously funny comedian Murray Hill performed a stand-up set and served as the emcee.
There were performances by Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington groups Potomac Fever, 17th Street Dance, the Rock Creek Singers, Seasons of Love, and the GenOUT Youth Chorus.
Anjali Murthy, a member of the chorus and a graduate of the GenOUT Youth Chorus, addressed the attendees of the gala.
“The LGBTQ+ community isn’t bound by blood ties: we are brought together by shared experience,” Murthy said. “Being Gen Z, I grew up with Ellen [DeGeneres] telling me through the TV screen that it gets better: that one day, it’ll all be okay. The sentiment isn’t wrong, but it’s passive. What I’ve learned from GMCW is that our future is something we practice together. It exists because people like you continue to show up for it, to believe in the possibilities of what we’re still becoming”
The event concluded with the presentation of the annual Harmony Awards. This year’s awardees included local drag artist and activist Tara Hoot, the human rights organization Rainbow Railroad as well as Rocky Mountain Arts Association Executive Director, Dr. Chipper Dean.
(Washington Blade photos and videos by Michael Key)
Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 16.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
Photos
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Ashley Biden accepts award for Beau Biden at annual Rehoboth fundraiser
The 19th annual Blade Foundation Summer Kickoff Party was held on Friday, May 15 at Diego’s in Rehoboth Beach, Del. An award presentation was held for former Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden. Ashley Biden accepted the award on her brother’s behalf and gave remarks. Other speakers included Delaware state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Dr. Robin Brennan and Washington Blade Editor Kevin Naff. The event was a fundraiser for the Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism.
(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)
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