Bruce Springsteen has called off a gig over a law which many people claim discriminates against transgender people.
The Boss cancelled a concert in North Carolina over the HB2 law - known officially as the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act - which requires trans people to use toilet facilities which match the gender they were assigned at birth.
Springsteen and the E Street Band said they were calling off Sunday’s concert in Greensboro in "show solidarity for those freedom fighters" who are battling the legislation.
In a statement, the star said: “No other group of North Carolinians faces such a burden. To my mind, it’s an attempt by people who cannot stand the progress our country has made in recognising the human rights of all of our citizens to overturn that progress.
“Right now, there are many groups, businesses, and individuals in North Carolina working to oppose and overcome these negative developments. Taking all of this into account, I feel that this is a time for me and the band to show solidarity for those freedom fighters.
“As a result, and with deepest apologies to our dedicated fans in Greensboro, we have cancelled our show scheduled for Sunday, April 10th.
“Some things are more important than a rock show and this fight against prejudice and bigotry — which is happening as I write — is one of them.
“It is the strongest means I have for raising my voice in opposition to those who continue to push us backwards instead of forwards.”
Springsteen’s actions follow those of PayPal, who earlier this week dropped plans to build a new operations centre in North Carolina in protest over the HB2 law.
The reaction to Springsteen’s decision was overwhelmingly positive on social media, including from Richard Branson and comedian John Bishop…