Luke Bryan defends bringing DeSantis on stage at Florida show

Country star Luke Bryan on Sunday defended bringing Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis on stage during his show benefiting victims of Hurricane Ian.

"I understand Governor Desantis is a very polarizing figure. But I grew up in a country where if a governor ask[s] you if they can come and raise awareness to help victims of a natural disaster you help," Bryan wrote on Twitter.

"I've generally stayed out of politics throughout my career. I knew people would chatter about this but for me the more important piece was If I am going to come back there a few weeks after a large portion of people have been affected by a natural disaster in a state where people have been good to me this felt right," he said.

During a concert in Jacksonville, Fla., on Friday, Bryan said, "We're going to have some fun and raise some money tonight for the great state of Florida," before welcoming DeSantis on stage to loud cheers.

DeSantis thanked Bryan on Twitter for letting him "crash the party."