Luke Bryan doesn't bow to the haters

Country singer Luke Bryan whipped up waves of outrage from the Left on social media last weekend. His “crime”? Inviting Governor Ron DeSantis to come on stage with him at his Jacksonville, FL concert.

The appearance of the governor - who some view as a controversial figure - was met with thunderous applause from the audience, who listened supportively as he praised both the people of Florida for their resilience and strength in the wake of Hurricane Ian and the American people for their generous $50 million in donations to the Florida Disaster Fund. Together, Bryan and DeSantis shared the news that a large portion of the concert's proceeds would go toward the hurricane victims.

Desantis' tweet the next morning - “Thanks for letting me crash the party last night @lukebryan!” - unleashed a flood of anger from the world of social media toward Bryan over his affiliation with Florida's governor. 

One person tweeted at Bryan: “Thanks for shaking hands with and lifting up the Governor who just endangered the lives of trans kids in my state by taking away their healthcare. You’re trash, and we see you."

Unruffled by malicious attacks on his character, threats of boycotts against “American Idol” where he's a celebrity judge, and appeals to the Country Music Awards to oust him from the event which he's set to co-host in November, Bryan posted:

I typically don’t respond to stuff when I’m getting run down on a social platform but here’s the deal. I understand Governor DeSantis is a very polarizing figure. But I grew up in a country where if a governor asks you if they can come and raise awareness to help victims of a natural disaster you help. I’ve generally stayed out of politics throughout my career. I knew people would chatter about this but for me the more important piece was if I am going to come back there a few weeks after a large portion of people have been affected by a natural disaster in a state where people have been good to me this felt right. Raise awareness, have a little fun between the GA and FL college fans before the game and do what I love on stage. This is all I am saying about this. I’ll be outdoors with my boys. Enjoy your Sunday. Love y’all! Text: disaster to 20222 to support.

Bryan has helped to raise tens of thousands of dollars for the people of Florida, providing food, beds, and other basic necessities to victims of the hurricane's devastation.

Applauding Bryan's unapologetic resolve and equanimity, Family Research Council's Jared Bridges commented:

It seems like every day you see people capitulating to the social mob. Luke Bryan made a decision, owned what he did, and stands by it. This is how it’s done. Don’t give the mob a leg to stand on, and they will fade away.