Stars praise Bruce Springsteen for concert cancellation

Stars including Miley Cyrus and Melissa Mccarthy have praised Bruce Springsteen for scrapping his North Carolina show over the controversial "Bathroom Bill".

The Boss was due to perform in Greensboro on Sunday (10Apr16), but announced on Friday (08Apr16) he was canceling the gig to protest the state's newly-imposed law, dubbed the "Bathroom Bill", which forces transgender residents to use gender-specific restrooms.

Outspoken lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights supporter Miley showed solidarity with the rocker's decision by sharing a picture of the news headline on Instagram and posting a series of love heart emojis in the caption.

Melissa, who is currently starring in new comedy The Boss, wrote on Twitter, "One more incredible reason to love Bruce Springsteen.Your integrity is inspiring! From one boss to another @springsteen thank you for NC!" and gay actor Alan Cumming posted, "Bravo Bruce!"

Lesbian talk show host Ellen DeGeneres wrote, "I (heart) Bruce @Springsteen", while fellow host James Corden tweeted, "Just when you couldn't love @springsteen anymore! What a man."

Actor Colin Hanks added, "Somehow, giving Bruce Springsteen the title 'singer-songwriter' doesn't quite seem like enough," while Frozen star Josh Gad wrote, "Thank you for being you @springsteen" and rocker Tom Morello tweeted, "...Well done, comrade. #nosurrender."

Business tycoon Richard Branson also heaped praise on the rocker by writing, "applaud @springsteen for canceling North Carolina gig over foul anti-LGBTQ law," and lesbian former tennis star Billie Jean King added, "Thank you @springsteen for canceling your concert in NC in the fight against prejudice. You Rock #actions speak louder than words."

Announcing the cancellation, Bruce wrote, "Some things are more important than a rock show and this fight against prejudice and bigotry - which is happening as I write - is one of them. It is the strongest means I have for raising my voice in opposition to those who continue to push us backwards instead of forwards."

Bruce's E Street Band guitarist Steve Van Zandt also backed the decision backstage at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in New York on Friday (08Apr16).

“The issue was too important and this vile and evil discrimination was starting to spread state to state, so we wanted to take a stand now and stop it or at least set an example,” he said, according to TheGuardian.com.