Goulding Threatens to Back Out of NFL Thanksgiving Halftime Show

if Salvation Army Won’t Endorse LGBTQ

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Grammy-nominated artist Ellie Goulding is threatening to back out of her halftime performance at the Dallas Cowboys’ nationally televised Thanksgiving football game unless the Salvation Army, a Christian organization, makes a “solid, committed pledge or donation to the LGBTQ community.”

Traditionally, the Cowboy’s holiday halftime show kicks off the Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle Campaign, which begins on Thanksgiving Day and runs through Christmas Eve.

Just days ago, Goulding posted a positive endorsement of the charity on her social media accounts.

But after facing backlash from fans about the Salvation Army’s Biblical stance on marriage, Goulding offered an ultimatum.

“Upon researching this, I have reached out to the Salvation Army and said that I would have no choice but to pull out unless they very quickly make a solid, committed pledge or donation to the LGBTQ community,” she wrote in a statement. “… My heart has always been in helping the homeless, but supporting an anti-LGBTQ charity is not something I would ever intentionally do.”

Franklin Graham came to the Salvation Army’s defense: “To try to bully any organization because they are based on Christian principles is wrong. Her demand and attempt to intimidate was nothing more than activism run amok. I’m sure there are hundreds of other qualified, talented singers who would love to perform at this halftime show.”

“With an organization of our size and history, myths can perpetuate,” said David Hudson, the national commander of the Salvation Army. “An individual’s sexual or gender identity, religion or lifestyle has no bearing on our willingness to provide service. We stand firmly behind our mission to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.”

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