The death of Trayvon Martin, and the not-guilty verdict for his killer, George Zimmerman, continues to divide people and spark controversy. Recently 100 rallies were held across the U.S., seeking justice for Trayvon. Today, it's being reported that artists are continuing to protest, this time by boycotting Florida altogether.
Stevie Wonder was the first to come forth announcing last week during a concert that he would be boycotting Florida and any state with the Stand Your Ground law, until it's been abolished. The law factored into Zimmerman's case, and was cited by a juror in explaining their not guilty verdict. Now Huffington Post reports that a source close to Wonder has revealed that a bunch of other artists are joining Wonder's boycott initiative, however, there is little confirmation from the artists themselves or their representatives. Although the news has been reported by many media outlets, it still remains possible that the list is inaccurate.
The list includes the likes of Kanye West, Trey Songz, Keyshia Cole, Will.i.am, Alicia Keys, Wale, and Young Jeezy, among others. However, there are conflicting reports-- some say that Jay Z is also supporting the boycott, however, his "Legends Of The Summer" tour stop on August 16th in Florida with Justin Timberlake is apparently still going on as planned. Another, The Rolling Stones, are on the list, but a representative for the group has reportedly said they've never heard of the list or the boycott. The same has been said for Rihanna.
As well, it remains unclear if the artists listed are actually completely boycotting the state, or are just generally outraged at the outcome of the case. We'll update you as we get confirmation either way, but for now, see the list of artists that's been circulating the web below.
Mary Mary
Eddie Levert
Rod Stewart
Madonna
Usher
Pattie Labelle
Kanye West
Mary J
Trey Songz
Jay Z
Rolling Stones
Justin Timberlake
R. Kelly
Rihanna
Alicia Keys
Joe
Will I AM
Keyshia Cole
Young Jeezy
Erykah Badu
Wale
Frankie Beverly
Parliament
[UPDATE: The List Of Artists Has Been Discredited For The Most Part]
As we hypothesized, it seems the list of artists (seen above) reportedly boycotting Florida in an effort to change the Stand Your Ground law is inaccurate. The Huffington Post has confirmed that the list of artists which included Kanye West, Alicia Keys, Usher and Madonna, has been largely discredited.
Many representatives confirmed on Tuesday that their clients had never heard of, or been contacted about the boycott. The source that originally published the list, American Urban Radio Networks White House correspondent April Ryan, has posted a statement on her site about the seemingly false list.
"I obtained from multiple sources early Monday a list of artists and entertainers who my sources told me had committed to a boycott of Florida following the George Zimmerman acquittal. Since publishing that list I have heard from several representatives of the artists named who say, on behalf of their clients, they are uncomfortable being identified on that list and are seeking additional information," Ryan said.
We'll update you as more details on this come to light.