15 February 2024 , 13:37
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Sir Elton John's fans have been left stunned by comments made by Joe Biden in a clip that has resurfaced online.
The US President awarded Sir Elton with the National Humanities Medal during a service in 2022. The legendary musician was awarded the prestigious medal for his work in raising awareness of the HIV and Aids crisis across the world.
The superstar singer launched the Elton John AIDS Foundation back in 1992 and each year, hosts a star-studded post-Oscar Awards party to raise awareness of the condition as well as his foundation which helps millions. During his event, guests who are invited pay a fee and are encouraged to make donations between the broadcast. It's thanks to this line of work that Elton was recognised by the President at a special event.
Joe Biden's comments have sparked outrage on social media (C-SPAN)But during the ceremony in 2022 at the White House which saw him awarded the prestigious medal, Sir Elton admitted he was "flabbergasted" but comments made by Biden have not gone down well on social media. In a clip which has resurfaced and has been viewed over 5.5 million times, the 81-year-old said: "By the way, it's all his fault that we're spending $6 billion of taxpayers money this month to help AIDS. Fight HIV AIDS."
One user on X posted the video alongside the caption: "Joe Biden to Elton John 'It's his fault we spent so much money fighting HIV.' You honestly can't make this s**t up anymore in," before adding emojis representing a clown and the globe. Since the clip appeared, fans of the musician have responded with one writing: "Wut mean? Biden saying Elton John is a HIV super-spreader?" "Yeah I don't know how you can even explain this?!?" said a second.
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Meanwhile, a third fumed: "You ARE not allowed to talk like that to Sir Elton John, Joe!" but Elton appeared to shrug off the comments, with some pointing out that Biden's comments could have been in relation to Elton's foundation.
Upon receiving the monumental award, Sir Elton said: "Since I founded the Foundation at my kitchen table in Atlanta 30 years ago, I made a commitment not to leave anyone behind and will continue on this mission. We are striving for a future where people of all races, ethnicities, nationalities, sexual orientations and gender identities have the opportunity to live free from Aids, stigma, injustice and maltreatment – and I’m so grateful recognition like this brings us a step closer to making that a reality."
Although Elton has recently retired from touring, it's believed he's secretly working on a brand-new album which will reportedly be released before the end of 2024, according to The Sun.