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John Legend waded into the Kaepernick controversy Tuesday, saying that he doesn't "truly love" the national anthem.
Legend's comment came less than a week after San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick refused to stand for the national anthem.
Musician John Legend at the 2013 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California. (Getty Images)
"For those defending the current anthem, do you really truly love that song? I don't and I'm very good at singing it. Like, one of the best," Legend tweeted.
For those defending the current anthem, do you really truly love that song? I don't and I'm very good at singing it. Like, one of the best
— John Legend (@johnlegend)August 30, 2016
As you might expect, the comment prompted sharp criticism among Legend's fans and followers.
"Not sure why it's turned into a battle over the lyrics of our anthem. The lyrics were never Colin's argument in the first place," one tweet read.
@johnlegend not sure why it's turned into a battle over the lyrics of our anthem. The lyrics were never Colin's argument in the first place
— Lindsey (@Lindsey50783746) August 30, 2016
"Have you ever been given a gun and told to go defend what that song stands for? I'm not surprised by your comment," another wrote.
@johnlegend @OGkurrrsh619 have you ever been given a gun and told to go defend what that song stands for? I'm not surprised by your comment.
— Name (@csmilinich88)August 30, 2016
Legend replied, "I agree that his [Kaepernick's] protest wasn't about the lyrics. It's about the value of the lives of people of color in America."
@Lindsey50783746 I agree that his protest wasn't about the lyrics. It's about the value of the lives of people of color in America.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) August 30, 2016
"You can love the country and what it stands for without loving a particular song," Legend said in a different reply.
@csmilinich88 @OGkurrrsh619 you can love the country and what it stands for without loving a particular song
— John Legend (@johnlegend) August 30, 2016
(H/T: The Hill)
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