Current:Home > ContactMartin Sheen, Dionne Warwick, Andrea Bocelli listed as guests at RFK Jr.'s birthday fundraiser — and none of them are attending -×
Martin Sheen, Dionne Warwick, Andrea Bocelli listed as guests at RFK Jr.'s birthday fundraiser — and none of them are attending
View
Date:2025-04-17 06:43:36
The super PAC backing Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s presidential bid, American Values 2024, announced a glitzy fundraiser gala for late January that touted Martin Sheen, who played the U.S. president on "West Wing," former boxer Mike Tyson, and singers Dionne Warwick and Andrea Bocelli as guests.
American Values promoted the event last week by sharing it on X, previously known as Twitter, and the Daily Mail reported the appearance of all four stars at the gala. CBS News obtained a copy of the invitation, and although it didn't include the names of the artists, the super PAC confirmed the report.
But soon after the PAC's social media post appeared, Sheen said in an Instagram story, "I do not endorse RFK Jr. nor I will I be attending his party." Sheen, who played fictional President and former New Hampshire Gov. Josiah Bartlett in the award-winning show, added that he's "whole heartedly supporting Joe Biden and the Democratic ticket for 2024."
The fundraiser, hosted by American Values 2024 and another PAC supporting Kennedy, will celebrate the independent candidate's 70th birthday at a gala scheduled for the eve of the New Hampshire primary, on Jan. 22, in Indian Wells, California.
Bradley Whitford, who played Sheen's White House deputy chief of staff in the TV series, reiterated on X that Sheen is not supporting Kennedy.
"There's a story going around saying that Martin Sheen is supporting @RobertKennedyJr for president. The story is incorrect," Whitford said on X.
Warwick called the PAC's announcement "absolutely ridiculous" and said she was unaware of the event.
"I don't know anything about this event. I did not agree to it and I certainly won't be there," Warwick said on X. "If you are going to lie on my name, at least lie about something cool," she added.
A representative for Bocelli told Rolling Stone he is not performing at the gala and that he won't even be in the U.S. this month.
In a statement sent to CBS News, the Kennedy campaign says it does not have "anything to do with organizing this event."
"The campaign has no knowledge of who is attending and can't confirm or deny anyone's participation, either as entertainment or as a guest," Kennedy press secretary Stefanie Spear told CBS News.
American Values 2024 has not responded to a request for comment.
It's not yet known whether actor and former boxer Mike Tyson will be attending the event.
Cristina CorujoCristina Corujo is a digital journalist covering politics at CBS News. Cristina previously worked at ABC News Digital producing video content and writing stories for its website. Her work can also be found in the Washington Post, NBC and NY1.
veryGood! (1)
Related
- 2 killed, 3 injured in shooting at makeshift club in Houston
- Federal appeals court upholds judge’s dismissal of Dakota Access Pipeline protesters’ lawsuit
- 41 workers stuck in a tunnel in India for 10th day given hot meals as rescue operation shifts gear
- NFL power rankings Week 12: Eagles, Chiefs affirm their place at top
- Opinion: Gianni Infantino, FIFA sell souls and 2034 World Cup for Saudi Arabia's billions
- Rumer Willis shares photo of Bruce Willis amid dementia battle: 'Really missing my papa'
- Federal Reserve minutes: Officials saw inflation slowing but will monitor data to ensure progress
- German police raid homes of 17 people accused of posting antisemitic hate speech on social media
- Toyota to invest $922 million to build a new paint facility at its Kentucky complex
- The Rolling Stones announce 2024 North American Tour in support of ‘Hackney Diamonds’ album
Ranking
- 'We're reborn!' Gazans express joy at returning home to north
- Capitol rioter who berated a judge and insulted a prosecutor is sentenced to 3 months in jail
- Climate change hits women’s health harder. Activists want leaders to address it at COP28
- Prince Harry drops first puck at Vancouver hockey game with Duchess Meghan: See photos
- Israel lets Palestinians go back to northern Gaza for first time in over a year as cease
- Tom Schwartz Reveals Katie Maloney’s Reaction to Winter House Romance With Katie Flood
- Stormy weather threatening Thanksgiving travel plans
- Here’s What’s Coming to Netflix in December 2023
Recommendation
Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
Transgender women have been barred from playing in international women’s cricket
Facing murder charges, this grandma bought a ticket to Vietnam. Would she be extradited?
YouTuber Trisha Paytas Is Pregnant, Expecting Baby No. 2 With Husband Moses Hacmon
Moving abroad can be expensive: These 5 countries will 'pay' you to move there
Making the Most Out of Friendsgiving
Dancing With the Stars' Tribute to Taylor Swift Deserves Its Own Mirrorball Trophy
Maryland’s handgun licensing law has been struck down by a federal appeals court