A fresh backlash erupted online after former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi appeared on stage at a public tribute honoring Grateful Dead co-founder Bob Weir, prompting widespread criticism over her conduct and remarks. The event, held Saturday at San Francisco’s Civic Center, drew thousands of fans and featured musicians, activists, and political figures.
Pelosi, 85, spoke during the ceremony and joined musician John Mayer on stage as he performed the Grateful Dead song “Ripple.” During her remarks, Pelosi appeared to struggle with her words while praising Weir’s legacy. “Bobby Weir was not just a magician, musician – a magician too – he was a force of nature,” Pelosi said.
She also used the tribute to urge civic participation. “[Weir] gave me this sign, and I’ll show it today, because I said Bobby really loved democracy, he loved our country,” Pelosi said while holding up a sign reading “vote.” “You know what he wanted everybody to do? Vote!”
The appearance quickly lit up social media. “Is Nancy Pelosi drunk at the Bob Weir Homecoming?” one user wrote on X. Others mocked her attire, noting her bright magenta suit contrasted sharply with the predominantly black clothing worn by others on stage. “Nancy Pelosi wearing a very somber magenta on stage at Bob Weir’s funeral,” another user joked.
Additional criticism questioned why Pelosi participated at all. “Why is [Nancy] Pelosi speaking at this Bob Weir memorial,” one user asked. Another wrote, “My bingo card today didn’t include Nancy Pelosi singing ‘Ripple’ along with John Mayer at the Bobby Weir send off.”
Weir died Jan. 10 at age 78, according to his family.
