Former US President Obama cancels his star-studded, 500-person 60th birthday party and will now just host family and close friends due to online backlash or according to some reports ‘due to spread of Delta variant’.
Former US President Barack Obama has cancelled plans for a large birthday party due to online criticism, while an increase in Covid infections across the country is another reason reported in the media.
Obama turned 60 on Wednesday and had planned a big party for this weekend on Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts.
According to media reports, hundreds of people were invited to the event, including actor George Clooney, director Steven Spielberg, and talk show host Oprah Winfrey.
However, because the highly contagious Delta variant has resulted in an increase in new infections, the Obamas announced plans to scale back the event, according to the BBC.
Only close friends and family will be present now. His spokesperson stated that the Saturday outdoor event was planned months in advance “in accordance with all public health guidelines.” However, he and his wife, Michelle Obama, have decided to scale back its size.
“President Obama is appreciative of others sending their birthday wishes from afar and looks forward to seeing people soon.”
Daily cases have risen to a level not seen in months, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced that masks should be worn indoors again for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people due to rising infections.
