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## Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon Responds to Criticism, Releases Benefit Track, and Joins Substack
Recent online discourse sparked a response from Justin Vernon of bon Iver, who addressed criticisms leveled against him regarding his perceived associations and political stances. The initial criticism stemmed from a post on X (formerly Twitter) alleging connections between Vernon, Megyn Kelly, and Red Lobster, alongside accusations of a lack of concern for marginalized communities. The original post, which can be characterized as fearmongering, gained traction before Vernon directly responded.
Here’s how Vernon responded on Substack:
> Not to re-join social media and immediately start yelling into the internet but…
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> feel quite compelled to respond here
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> First of all… thank you for calling me Ridiculous musician. Dope compliment.
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> Second of all…I disagree with Megyn Kelly’s politics pretty deeply, but she has done some inspiring things in the course of her career.>
> Third. Have been to one red Lobster, in Eau Claire, 27 years ago. Didn’t have security then, and have never hired personal security guards, because I dont need them. but thanks for thinking I’m that famous!
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> Fourth the man seems to think there are only criminals bred outside of the United States. Honestly, thought provoking.
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> Fifthly, shame on the NFL – like he said!
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> Sixth – I do wonder sometiems the point of saying liberal things in a room full of registered Democrats, the whole echo chamber thing… but I guess these two are proving that people who hate POC are hiding in blue areas everywhere.
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> Lastly,I like substack,cause atleast for now I can encourage my friends and people on here not to attack anyone,or say mean things back to these people,cause I dont think it helps. But responding feels good.
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> -Bon
On Friday (January 30, 2024), Vernon released a benefit track called “Naeem (Can’t You Hear Crying).” This is a live version of the song “naeem” (from bon Iver’s 2019 album *i,i*) and all proceeds are being donated to the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota.The song is named in honor of Naeem Juwan,a contributor to the *i,i* album,formerly known as Spank Rock.
At the 66th Annual Grammy awards (held February 4, 2024), Vernon was nominated for Best Alternative Music Album (*i,i*) and Best Alternative Music Performance (“This isn’t Me”). However, both awards were won by the Cure, marking their first Grammy wins after numerous nominations. Hayley Williams publicly expressed her admiration for The Cure and graciously acknowledged their win.
Vernon recently launched his Substack publication over the weekend. In his first post, he stated, “Mostly here to follow some of my favorite people. May write some reviews of movies. May share things im proud of. Feels like twitter,in the beginning.” He also included the hashtag #Feelinghopeforfirsttimein10years. He joins a growing number of musicians utilizing the platform, including Charli XCX ( More on this