In an effort to mend the United States image after completely missing the unity march in Paris, Secretary of State John Kerry brought James Taylor to his press conference to "share a big hug" with French leaders. Taylor proceeded to play "You've Got a Friend" as an apology.
The harsh scrutiny the Obama administration has faced has now expanded across the pond to the BBC.
"I can't think of a better definition of 'soft power' than James Taylor blasting out across the universe," a BBC radio host said.
The acoustic performance was done as a tribute to the French people and to the victims of the terrorist attacks that were carried out last week. The lack of view of the optics on the situation has become a bigger issue than the administration had anticipated.