Ariana Grande's White House gig rejected after doughnut-licking furore - report

Ariana Grande reportedly had a proposed performance at the White House rejected because of the outcry over her doughnut-licking scandal last year (15).

WikiLeaks published thousands of emails on Friday (22Jul16) that it had hacked from the Democratic National Committee, including one thread revealing Ariana was vetted prior to being booked to sing at a White House gala late last year.

Gawker reports the singer passed the criminal and financial record checks, but the background checks included a detailed report on the controversy surrounding the incident in which Ariana was caught on camera at a doughnut shop.

The Bang Bang hitmaker licked two doughnut she did not pay for at a bakery in California, and was also caught saying "I hate America".

There was public outcry after video footage was released, as Republican congressman Jeff Duncan from South Carolina called out America's "double standards" for not bashing the popstar over her candid words the same way it had presidential candidate Donald Trump over his comments regarding Mexican migrants.

The White House report also includes notes about Ariana blasting a fan over a homophobic remark about her gay brother Frankie.

In the leaked emails, staff member Kevin Snowden summarises the vetting of the pop star, and wrote, "Video caught her licking other peoples' dounuts while saying she hates America; Republican Congressman used this video and said it was a double standard that liberals were not upset with her like they are with Trump who criticized Mexicans; cursed out a person on Twitter after that person used an offensive word towards her brother."

Upon this review, White House employee Bobby Schmuck replied simply to the suggestion that Ariana perform at the presidential gala with, "Nope, sorry."

A representative for the singer has yet to comment on the report.