DALLAS (KRLD) - The Salvation Army says this year's Thanksgiving Day halftime show will go forward with Grammy Award-nominated and multi-platinum singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding after all.
Goulding threatened to quit the show after she posted a picture on Instagram of her wearing a Salvation Army apron. Fans responded, accusing the group of being homophobic.
The Salvation Army replied and said they serve people based on need and not race, gender or sexual orientation, and included examples of where their organization has provided services to those in the LGBTQ community.
The Salvation Army says in a statement:
"We’d like to thank Ellie Goulding and her fans for shedding light on misconceptions and encouraging others to learn the truth about The Salvation Army’s mission to serve all, without discrimination. We applaud her for taking the time to learn about the services we provide to the LGBTQ community. Regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity, we’re committed to serving anyone in need. Every day, we provide services such as shelter for the transgender community and resources for homeless youth – 40 percent of whom identify as gay or transgender. Ellie’s performance in the 23rd annual Salvation Army Red Kettle Kickoff during the Dallas Cowboys game Thanksgiving Day on CBS will kick off a season of giving that helps support these and many other programs and services throughout the country."