Controversy is brewing over hip-hop recording artist Common being invited to the White House for an event celebrating American poets. INSIDE EDITION has the details.
There's a storm of controversy over the appearance by the Grammy-winning rapper and actor Common at the White House Wednesday night.
Sarah Palin said on Fox News, "The White House judgment is just so lacking of class and decency and all that's good about America with an invitation like this."
The White House released a video of Common performing at a White House event honoring America's greatest living poets, and was personally thanked by President Obama.
But Common's appearance has come under withering criticism from Republicans, who say his lyrics promote violence, cop killing, and that he even called for the death of former President Bush.
Karl Rove said on Fox News, "Yeah, let's invite a misogynist to the White House. A guy who's called for violence against police officers and called for killing the former President of the United States. This will set a good tone for the country."
White House Press Secretary Jay Carney defended Common's appearance.
"It's ironic to pick out those particular lyrics about this particular artist when in fact, he's known as a socially conscious hip-hop artist or rapper," said Carney.
And Common posted this response on Facebook: "The one thing that shouldn't be questioned is my support for the police officers and troops that protect us every day."
On The View Thursday, Sherri Shepherd came to the rapper's defense.
"I know his mom. She has a doctorate. She raised a really good kid," said Shepherd.
And Jon Stewart said on his show, "Common? The guy from the Gap ads? The guy from the Queen Latifah romcom? Elmo's friend?"
