Pop star Lizzo took center stage at a rally for Kamala Harris in Detroit, Michigan, where she made a bold claim that if Harris were to win the presidency, “the whole country will be like Detroit.”
The rally, held on Saturday as part of an early voting event, aimed to encourage Michiganders to support Harris ahead of the November election.
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During her speech at Western International High School, Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, expressed pride in her Detroit roots. She remarked, “All the best things were made in Detroit: Coney dogs, Faygo, and Lizzo. You know, they say if Kamala wins, then the whole country will be like Detroit.”
Best endorsement of Trump possible. #Trump2024 https://t.co/D6kw8NwX8w
— Bing/Bong 🇺🇸 (@ClownColl3ge) October 19, 2024
However, Lizzo’s comments sparked backlash from many social media users who pointed out that Detroit has been emblematic of urban decay and crime in recent years.
Detroit has suffered economically worse than any other of the major American cities and its rampant urban decay is now glaringly apparent. Documented disintegration, showcasing structures formerly a source of civic pride now stand as monuments to the city’s fall from grace. pic.twitter.com/Tk1WPkOf7W
— Melissa (@mjk60631) October 19, 2024
Critics quickly took to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to express their concerns. One user wrote, “Uhhhh as someone who was born and raised outside of Detroit, can we not?”
Uhhhh as someone who was born and raised outside of Detroit – can we not?
Thanks. https://t.co/tZlVNv0ccF— Courtney (@crystalandqueue) October 19, 2024
Another remarked, “Detroit’s crime rates, especially violent ones, are higher than the national average. Detroit was once ranked the second most violent city in the U.S.”
Seriously?
Detroit’s crime rates, especially violent ones, are higher than the national average. Detroit was once ranked the second most violent city in the US. https://t.co/qfu1aYHYwv— King Fit Angler (@KingFitAngler) October 19, 2024
The rally comes amid troubling polling for Harris in Michigan, with former President Donald Trump closing the gap in a key swing state.
A recent poll from 270 to Win indicated that Harris had gone from a four-point lead to a tie with Trump, highlighting the competitive nature of the race.
In addition to her comments about Detroit, Lizzo announced her support for Harris by stating, “I’m proud to say that I voted, I voted early, and I voted for Kamala Harris.”
She encouraged others to participate in the electoral process, emphasizing the importance of voting in the upcoming election.
Lizzo’s appearance at the rally also follows her recent legal troubles, as she has been embroiled in lawsuits filed by former dancers who accused her of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment.
These allegations have cast a shadow over her public persona, but her celebrity status continues to be leveraged by the Harris campaign as a means of reaching younger and diverse voters.
The effort to rally support from prominent figures like Lizzo reflects the challenges the Harris campaign faces as it seeks to energize its base and appeal to undecided voters.
The Democratic Party is keenly aware of the importance of Michigan, a state that played a crucial role in Biden’s victory in 2020, and it appears that they are employing various strategies to maintain support among key demographics.
As the election draws closer, the contrasting messages from Lizzo and the criticism from those who question the state of Detroit underscore the complexities of the political landscape.
While Lizzo aims to inspire pride in her hometown, many are left wondering whether that pride is warranted given the city’s struggles with crime and poverty.
Lizzo said “if Kamala is elected the whole country will look like Detroit.”
Do you want our WHOLE country to look like this?pic.twitter.com/6obQoejync
— aka (@akafacehots) October 20, 2024
The poverty rate was reported at 31.5% in 2022, nearly three times the national average.
Lizzo: “If Kamala wins, the whole country will be like Detroit.”
Detroit: pic.twitter.com/BSoSz7PX30
— Clandestine (@WarClandestine) October 20, 2024
As voters prepare to head to the polls, the effectiveness of celebrity endorsements, the importance of voter turnout, and the ongoing discussions about urban challenges will be critical factors influencing the outcome of the election.
The spotlight remains on candidates like Harris as they navigate these pivotal moments leading up to November.
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