http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/312559-report-kanye-west-rolling-stones-join-stevie-wonders-florida-boycottReport: Jay Z, Kanye West, Rolling Stones join Wonder's Florida boycott
By Justin Sink - 07/22/13 12:31 PM ET
Some of the music industry's biggest acts are joining Stevie Wonder in boycotting Florida over the state's controversial "stand your ground" law.
Artists joining Wonder include Rod Stewart, Madonna, Usher and Justin Timberlake, a source close to the legendary musician told American Urban Radio Network's April Ryan.
Rappers Jay Z, Kanye West, Trey Songz, Young Jeezy and Wale have also signed on to the boycott threat, as have pop acts like R. Kelly, Rihanna and Alicia Keys.
Wonder announced his intended boycott the day after a Florida jury acquitted George Zimmerman of second-degree murder charges stemming from the death of Trayvon Martin.
"I decided today that until the 'stand your ground' law is abolished in Florida, I will never perform there again," he said. "As a matter of fact, wherever I find that law exists, I will not perform in that state or in that part of the world."
"For those that we have lost in the battle for justice, wherever that fits in any part of the world — we can't bring them back," he continued. "[What] we can do is we can let our voices be heard. And we can vote in our various countries throughout the world for change and equality for everybody. That's what I know we can do."
Other musicians have signaled their support for Martin: Bruce Springsteen dedicated a song to "justice for Trayvon Martin" during a concert in Limerick, Ireland, while Jay Z and Beyonce met with Martin's parents during a rally in New York City.
The "stand your ground" self-defense laws in Florida and two dozen other states allow individuals to defend themselves without requiring them to attempt to evade or retreat from a dangerous situation. Although Zimmerman did not specifically employ a "stand your ground" law defense to combat second-degree murder charges in the killing of Florida teen Trayvon Martin, the trial has brought a renewed scrutiny to the statutes.
According to Ryan's report, some of the recording artists have already canceled shows in the Sunshine State.