Joan Jett has jumped from one float to another for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. A vegetarian, Jett was initially slated to perform aboard a float that represented South Dakota. Once South Dakota ranchers got word of her eating philosophy, however, they protested her appearance on the float, political ire was raised, and the whole scenario went downhill quickly. As anyone who has ever been on or operated a parade float knows–downhill isn’t the way to go.

“I’ve decided to switch from South Dakota to another float because people’s political agendas were getting in the way of what should be a purely entertainment driven event,” Jett said Saturday during an interview with CNN. “I will remain focused on entertaining the millions of people watching, who will be celebrating a great American tradition.”

Word of the float switch made its way pretty swiftly to Twitter.

Ranchers protest sees Joan Jett switching floats for Thanksgiving parade http://t.co/o9jHTCssOr

— NME (@NME) November 17, 2013

Macy's moves Joan Jett off SD float in Thanksgiving parade after ranchers complained about the vegetarian http://t.co/Qf3E5oMmoV

— WTOP (@WTOP) November 15, 2013

Joan Jett was Macy’s choice, not that of South Dakota representatives, when first scheduled for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. She had no plans of backing out. Even though she claims in her quote on CNN to have switched floats of her own volition, it sounds like it was Macy’s doing and not hers. Do you suppose she is pleased with Macy’s for making the switch? Jett is known for being rather surly at times, so she might have actually enjoyed performing in the face of adversity.

Do you think this was a wise decision on behalf of Macy’s to switch Joan Jett from the South Dakota float to a different one in light of recent protests? Might there have been some trouble if the rocker had in fact taken the stage on their float?

Image via Wikimedia