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Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and self-proclaimed “Deadhead” sparked online backlash after appearing at an event honoring Grateful Dead co-founder Bob Weir, with some social media users accusing her of bizarre behavior.
Thousands gathered Saturday at the Civic Center in San Francisco to celebrate the life of Ware, who died earlier this month at age 78. The event attracted longtime musicians and political figures, including Pelosi, according to Pelosi. Fox 2.
Pelosi, 85, gave a speech about Ware and appeared to sing and sway on stage while musician John Mayer performed the Grateful Dead’s classic “Rebel.”
During parts of her remarks, Pelosi appeared to stumble over her words as she thought about Ware’s legacy.
The dead singer who worked with Elvis Presley on the hit song has died at the age of 78 after a battle with cancer
Nancy Pelosi has been criticized on social media for her behavior at a memorial for Bob Weir in San Francisco. (Mika Scafari/Getty Images)
“Bobby Weir was not just a magician, a musician, he was a magician, he was a force of nature,” Pelosi said at one point.
Pelosi also used this moment to deliver a political message and encourage those in attendance to vote.
“[Weir] “He gave me this sign, and I’m going to show it today, because I said Bobby really loved democracy, he loved our country,” she said, before holding up a sign that said “Vote.” vote!”
Pelosi’s behavior quickly drew criticism online.
“Is Nancy Pelosi drunk at Bob Weir’s homecoming party?” One user wrote on X.
Others criticized Pelosi’s bright purple suit, which stood in stark contrast to the black clothing worn by most others on stage at the event. (Mika Scafari/Getty Images)
Nancy Pelosi will not seek re-election, ending her decades-long career in the House
Others criticized her choice of wardrobe, noting that she was wearing a bright purple suit while almost everyone else on stage seemed to be wearing all black.
“Nancy Pelosi wearing very dark purple on stage at Bob Weir’s funeral,” one user joked on X.
Some users also questioned why Pelosi, who announced in November that she would retire from Congress when her current term ends in 2027, was participating in the event in the first place.
Dead legend Bob Weir dies at the age of 78 surrounded by his family after a cancer battle
“Why him [Nancy] Pelosi speaks at this memorial for Bob Weir,” one user on X asked.
“My bingo card today did not include Nancy Pelosi singing ‘Ripple’ with John Mayer at Bobby Weir’s farewell party,” another user wrote.
The public tribute also featured appearances from pop icon Joan Baez and country singer Wynonna Judd, FOX 2 reported.
The event was also attended by Joan Baez and Wynonna Judd. (Jane Teska/Digital First Media/East Bay Times via Getty Images)
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Weir died on January 10, a statement from his family confirmed on his Instagram page.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Bobby Weir. He has passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones, having bravely overcome cancer as only Bobby could,” the statement read, adding that he died of lung problems.
Nancy Pelosi could not immediately be reached for comment.
Fox News Digital’s Bree Stimson contributed to this report.