Former Springsteen Drummer Vini Lopez Denies NY Post Story, Claims Misrepresentation
Vini Lopez, the drummer who played with Bruce Springsteen from 1968 to 1974, is pushing back against a New York Post article that suggested he believes his former bandmate should show respect to President Donald Trump. The Post published a story on Sunday with the headline, "Ex-Longtime Springsteen Drummer Vini Lopez Says Woke Boss Should Respect Trump," but Lopez has since taken to social media to dispute its accuracy.
Controversial Quotes and Immediate Backlash
The article quoted Lopez as stating, "You gotta have respect for the president," and "Trump is the president of the United States — everyone should have respect for him." It also included his anecdote about meeting Trump while caddying at the Bedminster, New Jersey golf club, where he described Trump as "very nice and inquisitive" and claimed Trump asked him to tell Springsteen, "I'm his biggest fan." However, Lopez added with a chuckle that he "wouldn't talk to him about anything that's going on" politically.
On Monday, Lopez responded forcefully on Facebook, calling the headline a "pure lie" and asserting he never made such statements. He emphasized, "I would never call Bruce woke," and clarified that he told the reporter he respects "the office of the Presidency... NOT TRUMP!" Lopez expressed frustration, stating, "That article sucks! I'll never trust anyone again when talking to them!" HuffPost attempted to contact the Post's author for comment on Lopez's reaction but received no immediate response.
Springsteen and Trump's Ongoing Feud
This controversy unfolds against a backdrop of public animosity between Springsteen and Trump. Springsteen has been vocal in his criticism of Trump, notably releasing the song "Streets of Minneapolis" in January as a reaction to immigration enforcement actions. In turn, Trump recently disparaged Springsteen on his Truth Social platform, labeling him a "bad" and "very boring singer" who "looks like a dried up prune." The mutual disdain highlights the polarized political climate intersecting with the music industry.
Lopez's denial adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, raising questions about media representation and the accuracy of quotes in high-profile stories. As the situation develops, it underscores the challenges celebrities face in navigating political discourse and public perception.
