Nelly faced the music as criticism flew his way for performing at Trump’s inauguration ball.
- Despite the backlash, Nelly made it clear his presence wasn’t about the paycheck.
- The rapper emphasized respect for the presidency over political ties.
- Nelly’s focus on philanthropy over politics was a key point in his defense.
- The backlash didn’t deter other artists, who also performed at Trump-related events.
Nelly found himself in hot water when he agreed to perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration ball. Many fans weren’t happy with his decision, raising questions about his motives.
However, Nelly was quick to clarify that his decision wasn’t financially driven. “I’m not doing this for money. I’m doing this because it’s an honor,” he stated, underscoring his respect for the office of the presidency regardless of who holds it.
The rapper highlighted the sacrifices made by military personnel for whoever is president. “If they can put their lives on the line, I can damn sure perform,” he said, arguing that his performance was a non-partisan gesture.
He further elaborated on his track record of helping people, suggesting that his actions speak louder than political affiliations. Nelly mentioned his work with scholarships, hospital visits, and holiday gifts as more significant than any political stance.
Despite making his point clear, Nelly still faced accusations about his association with Trump. He defended the former president, asking for proof of claims against him while acknowledging Trump’s past controversies.
Interestingly, Nelly has not always seen eye-to-eye with Trump. In the past, he expressed disappointment over Trump’s presidency affecting his ability to enjoy Trump-owned hotels.
Nelly is not alone; other artists like Snoop Dogg, Rick Ross, and Soulja Boy also performed at Trump-related events, facing similar backlash.
Nelly’s stand demonstrates his belief in separating politics from respect for the presidency.