LGBTQ+ Community Sends Five-Word Message to Jamal Roberts After Pride Month Snub — “This Won’t Be Forgotten”
For weeks, American Idol breakout star Jamal Roberts has been riding a wave of success — sold-out shows, viral performances, and millions of fans following his every move. But this June, it wasn’t a note or a lyric that sparked headlines — it was the absence of one.
As Pride Month kicked off across the United States, musicians and celebrities from all genres took to social media to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community. Some shared personal stories, others posted rainbow tributes, and many used their platforms to stand in solidarity. But Jamal Roberts? Not a word.
No tweet. No post. No performance shout-out. Not even a Pride emoji.
At first, some fans chalked it up to oversight. Jamal, after all, is still new to the pressures of the spotlight. But as days turned into weeks — and as his fellow American Idol alums and collaborators began posting heartfelt tributes to LGBTQ+ fans — the silence from Jamal became deafening.
Then came the viral post.
An LGBTQ+ fan account on Instagram posted a screenshot of Jamal’s blank June timeline with bold, white text overlaying it:
“Pride Month: Ignored.”
And below it, the five chilling words that quickly spread across the internet:
“This Won’t Be Forgotten.”
Those words — both simple and powerful — ignited a firestorm. By the next day, they were trending under hashtags like #JamalRobertsPride, #ThisWontBeForgotten, and #PrideMatters. The original post was reshared by LGBTQ+ influencers, community organizers, and even fellow musicians who had previously praised Jamal’s artistry.
Many fans expressed deep disappointment.
“We were here from the beginning,” one user wrote. “We streamed your songs, we voted for you every week, we cried when you made the finale. And you couldn’t even say one word during Pride?”
Others pointed out that the LGBTQ+ community has long supported artists — especially in the pop, R&B, and country-pop spaces Jamal has been blending. For them, the silence felt like a betrayal.1
“We didn’t need a rainbow outfit,” another user commented. “We just needed to know we mattered to him. Now we’re not so sure.”
The backlash was swift but surprisingly organized. Pride event attendees in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Chicago were seen holding signs with the now-iconic five words: “This Won’t Be Forgotten.” Some wore T-shirts featuring Jamal’s silhouette with the word “Muted” printed across his name.
But perhaps the most viral response came from a TikTok creator who stitched together a clip of Jamal performing his hit single with captions detailing his silence during Pride. The video ends with the fan looking into the camera and simply mouthing the phrase: “This won’t be forgotten.” It currently has over 5 million views.
So far, Jamal Roberts has not commented.
His management team has also remained silent, refusing to issue a statement when asked by reporters during a recent press stop.
That silence, ironically, is fueling the fire.
“If he would’ve just said something — anything — this might have gone away,” said Darren Cole, an LGBTQ+ music blogger. “But now it feels like he’s either avoiding it or worse… he doesn’t care.”
However, some fans are still holding out hope. They argue that Jamal, who rose to fame so quickly, may simply be overwhelmed or unsure of how to navigate public expectations in such politically charged times.
“We can be disappointed,” one user wrote, “and still be patient. People grow. Artists learn. But only if they choose to.”
Notably, a few of Jamal’s former American Idol peers have subtly commented on the situation. One finalist posted a photo with the caption: “Pride is more than a post. But silence is still a choice.” Though names weren’t mentioned, fans quickly interpreted the message as a nod to the Jamal controversy.
Still, no one knows for sure what Jamal is thinking — and that uncertainty is what’s allowing the backlash to grow.
Industry insiders are now questioning what this means for Jamal’s future. Can a rising star afford to alienate one of the most loyal and visible fan communities in music today? Or will he issue a public response and attempt to repair the relationship before it’s too late?
As Pride Month marches forward, one thing has become painfully clear: in 2024, fans aren’t just watching what you post — they’re watching what you don’t.
And in the case of Jamal Roberts, that silence has turned into a statement — one the LGBTQ+ community has answered loud and clear.
“This won’t be forgotten.”
👇 Do you believe Jamal’s silence was intentional, or just an oversight? Should rising artists be expected to speak out during Pride Month? Join the discussion below — your voice matters.
