Elton John Defends Ellen's Friendship With George W. Bush

Elton John is the latest celebrity to weigh in on the controversy surrounding Ellen DeGeneres' friendship with George W. Bush.

"I admire Ellen for standing up and saying what she said," the musical legend, 72, said during an interview with NPR on Sunday.

Last week, DeGeneres was spotted smiling and chatting with Bush in a box suite at a Dallas Cowboys game. Some on social media found it endearing, while others slammed the TV host for being chummy with the former president, whose tenure included an unpopular invasion of Iraq and an opposition to same-sex marriage.

"Here's the thing, I'm friends with George Bush," DeGeneres said on her show following the criticism. "In fact, I'm friends with a lot of people who don't share the same beliefs that I have. We're all different and I think we've forgotten that that's OK that we're all different."

And John was definitely Team Ellen. "George Bush has made a lot of mistakes. I made a lot of mistakes. Ellen DeGeneres has made a lot of mistakes," the singer told NPR. "People need to come together. They need to respect people's view on life. Except when it's heresy, and I don't think George Bush is that kind of guy."

John joined Reese Witherspoon and Kristen Bell as a group of A-listers who stood up for DeGeneres. Not all of Hollywood felt the same, however, as Mark Ruffalo clapped back, even calling for Bush to be brought to justice for his alleged war crimes.

Meanwhile, John spoke with the outlet as part of his promotional tour for his upcoming autobiography, simply titled "Me", revealing why now was a good time to reflect on his life.

"It all changed with having children," John explained. "Ten years ago I had nothing planned for the rest of my life except making music and touring, and then we had two fabulous little boys. And as much as I love playing, I want to be with my boys now. This is the new part of my life."

John shares Zachary, eight, and Elijah, six, with husband David Furnish. "Me" is due out on October 15.

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