Nelly Addresses Backlash For Performing at Donald Trump Inauguration Ball: 'It's An Honor'
Nelly is set to perform at one of Donald Trump‘s Liberty Inaugural Ball on Monday (January 20).
The 50-year-old rapper is one of many artists performing at events throughout the holiday weekend to celebrate the President-elect’s 2025 Inauguration, which takes place on Monday as well.
Following news that he will be performing for the controversial elected official, Nelly reacted to the backlash and shared why he was doing it.
Keep reading to find out more…
“I thought you was riding with me because I put on for my city and I try to bring my city up every step of the way. I did not know you was riding with me because you thought I would ride with who you voted for. I didn’t know that,” Nelly said during an interview on Willie D Live. “I didn’t know I had to agree with your political choices, and I thought it was the things that you do not the things that you say should be done. If you follow what I do, this shouldn’t even be an argument. He’s the president. He won. This isn’t a campaign, this isn’t an RNC. I’m not out on a political campaign.”
“I’m not doing this for money, I’m doing this because it’s an honor. I respect the office. It doesn’t matter who is in office,” he added. “The same way that our men and women, our brothers and sisters who protect this country, have to go to war and have to put their life on the line for whoever in office. So if they can put their life on the line for whoever in office, I can damn sure perform.”
Nelly also spoke to criticism that him performing means he supports Trump.
“More than half this country voted for Trump. If you respect the process when the process works in your favor, respect the process when it doesn’t work in your favor,” he said.
Also performing at the Liberty Inaugural Ball is Village People, whose song “Y.M.C.A.” has been played a lot at Trump‘s rallies and events.
Find out all the stars who have been revealed to be performing at Trump‘s Inauguration events.
If you missed it, these celebs have also been confirmed to attend the actual Inauguration on Monday afternoon, which has been moved inside amid frigid temperatures.