Nick Jonas responds to Orlando vigil backlash

When Nick Jonas spoke at the Stonewall Inn about the mass shootings at Pulse nightclub last month, a number of people withing the LGBT community responded angrily.

Why is Nick Jonas on the stage at Stonewall

— Eliel Cruz (@elielcruz) June 13, 2016

https://twitter.com/Run_IsHere/status/742513825899941888

General vibe around me is: super disgusted that Nick Jonas of all humans was speaking at the Stonewall vigil just now

— Zoë Schlanger (@zoeschlanger) June 14, 2016

However, the singer has defended his decision to speak at the vigil in a new interview with Billboard, saying he “wouldn’t change a thing” about his response to the atrocity.

“That’s a moment – and in general the time we’re in in this country – where unity, support and raising our hand and saying we can make change is what’s important, so it’s a shame when people make it about something else” he said.

The 23-year-old also defended himself against accusations that he is stringing the community along “for a fanbase”, saying: “Think about my past and where my love for performance comes from, musical theater, and playing this gay fighter in a very macho world for Kingdom, it requires me digging really deep, and I do it with respect and honor”.

In an interview with E! News in May, the Scream Queens star described criticism of his support of the LGBT community as “really quite sad.”

You can read our special feature on Orlando and its aftermath in the new issue of Attitude, available to download now from pocketmags.com/attitude.

It’s in shops next Wednesday (July 20), and print copies are available to order from newsstand.co.uk.

ORLANDO COVER

Also in Attitude’s August issue, alongside all your usual news, reviews, fitness & travel:

20 years of Girl Power: Spice Girl Emma Bunton recalls the highs and lows of life as part of the world’s most famous girl groups ever.
Three years before Stonewall… there was the riot at Compton’s cafeteria in San Francisco. Attitude commemorates 50 years since the queer community fought back against an oppressive police force.
Pop’s new sensation Shura on why she doesn’t want to be compartmentalised as a queer artist.
Out gay Iraqi activist Amir Ashour on why he’ll never stop fighting for LGBT liberation in his homeland.
Willam reveals why he has no love for RuPaul’s Drag Race.

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