Bruce Springsteen appeared to snub former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie at a Brooklyn concert Thursday, walking past the Republican politician’s outstretched hand in a moment that quickly went viral on social media.
Video captured at the Barclays Center shows Mr. Springsteen high-fiving fans as he made his way through the crowd during a performance of “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out,” part of his Land of Hope and Dreams American Tour. When the 76-year-old rocker reached Mr. Christie’s spot near the stage, he turned and walked the other direction without acknowledging him.
Mr. Christie, a self-described megafan who has attended more than 150 Springsteen concerts and reportedly kept every ticket stub, appeared unfazed. He pulled back his hand and resumed clapping as the show continued.
It was unclear whether Mr. Springsteen recognized Mr. Christie or intentionally avoided him. A representative for Mr. Springsteen did not immediately return a request for comment.
Social media reaction was divided.
“HAHAHA Bruce Springsteen WAS NOT HAVING IT with Chris Christie. THE SNUB!” journalist Mike Ryan wrote on X, helping send the clip to wide circulation.
Others pushed back, with one commenter suggesting Mr. Springsteen may have simply mistaken Mr. Christie for a fan pointing him toward the stage.
Some noted the two men have a long and complicated relationship rooted in New Jersey. Mr. Christie told The Hill in 2023 that while the pair have had “ups and downs,” their shared Jersey roots created a bond. Mr. Springsteen was also seen to give Mr. Christie a nod at a more recent show, according to multiple accounts. Earlier at Thursday’s concert, Mr. Christie was filmed dancing enthusiastically to “Murder Incorporated.”
Mr. Springsteen has nonetheless been a sharp critic of Mr. Christie’s Republican politics. During the opening night of his current tour, he delivered pointed remarks targeting President Trump and his administration, telling the crowd that American values were “being challenged as never before.”
This article was constructed with the assistance of artificial intelligence and published by a member of The Washington Times’ AI News Desk team. The contents of this report are based solely on The Washington Times’ original reporting, wire services, and/or other sources cited within the report. For more information, please read our AI policy or contact Steve Fink, Director of Artificial Intelligence, at sfink@washingtontimes.com
The Washington Times AI Ethics Newsroom Committee can be reached at aispotlight@washingtontimes.com.
