Jennifer Holliday backs out of Trump inauguration performance; Toby Keith defends decision to perform

FILE - In this Oct. 7, 2016 file photo, actress and singer Jennifer Holliday poses for a photo during an interview in New York. Holliday, who will perform at Donald Trump's inaugural welcome concert next week, supported Hillary Clinton in the election and says her decision to participate is not a political statement.. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)
FILE – In this Oct. 7, 2016 file photo, actress and singer Jennifer Holliday poses for a photo during an interview in New York. Holliday, who will perform at Donald Trump’s inaugural welcome concert next week, supported Hillary Clinton in the election and says her decision to participate is not a political statement.. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)

Broadway star Jennifer Holliday has backed out as a performer at this week’s presidential inaugural, saying she did not realize that her participation would be interpreted as a statement of support for President-elect Donald Trump.

Holliday, best known for her Tony-winning role in Broadway’s “Dreamgirls,” faced pressure from fans when it was announced she would sing at a Thursday concert at Washington’s Lincoln Memorial.

Holliday said in a statement Saturday that she apologized for her lapse of judgment, for being uneducated on the issues and causing heartbreak for her fans.

Several prominent entertainers have declined to perform at Trump inaugural festivities. Country star Toby Keith and actor Jon Voigt are in the lineup for Thursday’s concert.

Keith responded to his critics and indicated he has no plans to change his mind about performing.

“I don’t apologize for performing for our country or military,” Keith said…