Billy Joel Wears Star of David on His Jacket, Denounces Neo-Nazi Movement

Billy Joel generally avoids making blanket political statements during his shows, but that might be changing.

During his show Monday night at Madison Square Garden, Joel joined many fellow artists and public figures in denouncing anti-Semites, White Supremacists and the Alt-Right. 

While the Long Island-native Joel considers himself an atheist, both of his parents were Jewish, and he has relatives who suffered during the Holocaust. 

Joel returned to the stage for his encore, referencing his Jewish heritage with a Star of David affixed to his lapel.

He was later joined by Patty Smyth to perform Scandal's "Goodbye to You." During the song, images of recently ousted White House officials, like Sean Spicer, Anthony Scaramucci and Steve Bannon flashed across the screen.

Joel told Rolling Stone in June that he's "flabbergasted" Donald Trump got elected President, but he hasn't outright denounced the President.

Joel's ex-wife Christie Brinkley applauded the singer's statement in an Instagram post.

She wrote that Joel was ruminating on the "excruciating memories of loved ones who wore that star to their death" in the Holocaust.

"May that star also remind you today of the gold stars pinned to the jackets of soldiers for their bravery and valor for fighting evil so hideous even the gold stars in the sky were afraid to shine. Thank you, Billy, for reminding people what was...so it may never ever be again."

Photos: Getty Images


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